Westmorland and Furness Council is urging residents to take steps to stay safe and well as the cold weather continues across the Northwest.
An Amber Cold Health Alert has already been issued by the UK Health Security Agency indicating that a prolonged spell of very cold weather will likely impact have an impact on health.
The alert was issued earlier this week and will stay in effect until at least 9am on Tuesday 14 January.
Those who are considered vulnerable are encouraged to take steps to protect themselves against the falling temperatures. This includes older people (aged 65 year and over), people with long term health conditions, pregnant women, young children and those who are housebound or have low mobility, and those who struggling financially.
The council have recently launched their Winter Ready Campaign which offers advice and support on how on how to prepare for the approaching winter months.
Simple measures can be taken to reduce the impact of the adverse weather conditions such as preparing homes by heating rooms to at least 18°C, ensuring there is enough food and medicine for a few days and reducing draughts with draught excluders.
For those struggling financially who may be worried about energy costs, the council has a dedicated webpage to cover financial help that could be available.
Cllr Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adult care and Health at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “Cold weather can make life instantly more difficult for those who are vulnerable, which is why it’s important to take precautions to keep yourself and others safe and well.
“Check in on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you.
“There is a wealth of support available on our dedicated webpage to ensure residents can access the right advice and support to keep them well during winter, but if you need help or are starting to feel unwell because of the cold, make sure you call NHS 111 or in an emergency 999.”
Westmorland and Furness Highways are responding to this cold stretch, keeping communities safe and moving.
The full fleet of 20 gritters are out treating 840 miles of priority network ready for road temperatures to reach as low as minus 9 degrees Celsius.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, said: “We have seen the impact severe winter weather can have on us here in Westmorland and Furness.
“Winter is here, and it’s worth taking some simple steps to prepare such as signing up for weather alerts, using grit bins on public footpaths or roads in rural areas and driving carefully to protect yourself and those around you.
“If you must go out and drive, please do not ignore road closures as they are in place to protect you where driving conditions are particularly dangerous.
“Whatever the weather throws at us this winter, we are ready to respond. My thanks go out to our highway teams for their dedication and service to residents in our council area.”