Cold Weather

This page holds details and updates in the event of weather warnings and alerts

Active Weather Warnings

There are no current active weather warnings for Sefton.

Active Urgent Updates/Advice

None

Cold Weather Alerts

During winter months temperatures in Sefton can drop dramatically. In times of extreme cold the Government may declare a Cold Weather Alert.

Cold Weather Alerts are issued when the cold weather has the most serious impact on health. This particularly affects older people and those with pre-existing health conditions, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

During icy conditions and snow, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) encourages people to stay warm and to look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather. During these periods, it is important to check in on family, friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather. People with a pre-existing medical condition and those over the age of 65, should try and heat your home to at least 18°C if possible.

Staying Warm and Well

There are a number of things you can do to stay warm and well

You should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. In rooms you mostly use such as the living room or bedroom, try to heat them to at least 18°C if you can, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
You should also keep your bedroom windows closed at night. Exposure to low indoor temperatures can have a serious impact on your health as you get older. Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.
Have your heating and cooking appliances checked to make sure they are working safely. Use this link to find a as Safe registered engineer.
Contact your water and power suppliers to see if you can be on the Priority Services Register, a free support service that helps people in vulnerable situations.

For more information about how to stay warm and well in winter, visit Age UK’s website or call 0800 169 6565 and remember to quote ‘WINTER’.

If you are struggling with the cost of winter, visit our Cost of Living pages.

Sefton Warm Spaces

Working alongside voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations, we have established a network of Warm Spaces across Sefton this winter.

These include libraries, community centres, community hubs and other places offering a warm welcome and free to use for anyone struggling to heat their home.

You can use this link to find out more about Sefton's Warm Spaces network.

Travelling in Cold Weather

The Met Office issues the following travel advice during cold weather conditions:

Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary.

If driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).

Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal to reduce your risk of accidents, slips, and falls.

If making a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.

People cope when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. Consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.