Top tips to stay safe this winter
Winter can bring heavy rain, snow and ice which can be dangerous if not prepared for. People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do. Consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly and check the Met Office for weather forecast and warnings in your area.
Road and driving conditions
People are reminded of the hazards of driving in icy conditions. Any road that is closed will have been done so for safety reasons.
Significant road and travel updates will be posted by Oxfordshire County Council with road closures listed on their road closures in severe weather webpage.
Although great efforts are made to keep roads clear in winter, drivers must never assume that a road will be free from ice. This is because salt can have a limited effect in severe cold conditions, high winds or rain can remove salt from road surfaces before temperatures fall and many minor roads do not get salted.
Remember: speed kills, especially in icy conditions. Kill your speed to make your driving safer.
Plan your route
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, making sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any 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).
Prepare your vehicle for winter
- check your tyres the minimum depth is 1.6mm. In rain, ice and heavy snow the more grip you have the better
- make sure your lights are clean and working
- check that your battery is fully charged
- check the condition of your front and rear windscreen wipers
- make sure your washer bottle is full with water and screen wash and keep it topped up through the winter
Adjust how you drive or ride to the weather conditions
- be seen – switch on dipped headlines or fog lamps if visibility is reduced to 100 metres or less
- make sure your windows and mirrors are completely clear before starting out on your journey
- keep a pair of sunglasses handy – winter and spring sunlight can be blinding
- take it slow. It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road, so drive slowly
- remind yourself of the rules around driving in adverse conditions in the Highway Code
Gritting
Gritters cover all A-roads, B-roads and some C-roads. National Highways is responsible for gritting the M40, A34 and A43. More information is available on the county council website including the daily gritting decision. Information on safety and salt and grit bins can also be found on this page.
When conditions demand the gritting fleet can be fitted with snowploughs to help clear a path through snowfall on Oxfordshire roads.
Flood alerts and flood warnings
If a flood alert is issued this indicates that an area should prepare, including making defences and staying up to date with the latest information. When a flood warning is issued, this indicates a greater level of severity.
You can keep in touch with the Environment Agency's regularly updated information relating to current flood alerts and flood warnings and the five-day flood risk for Oxfordshire. This page also captures flood alerts and warnings from areas immediately adjacent to the county.
Meanwhile it is also possible to monitor individual levels on the county's rivers, streams and brooks and rainfall statistics.
Flood water is not clean and not suitable for children to play in. There might be hidden hazards under the water such as manhole covers that have lifted. Anyone who has been in flood water should wash their hands at the soonest opportunity.
You can sign up to receive flood warnings from the Environment Agency. Alternatively you can call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 to register. The service is free and you can choose to receive notifications of flood warnings by email, text, or both.
Weather forecasts
The Met Office issues weather warnings when severe weather is expected. Once issued these can be updated as circumstances change. The Met office rainfall radar gives an up-to-date picture of weather as it currently stands in Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.
Information relating to homeless people
During periods of extreme cold weather, emergency shelter is provided by Oxfordshire’s local homelessness agencies.
If you are concerned about a homeless person, you can contact Street Link through their website. Alerts are referred onto the relevant district or city council or outreach team who use the information to find the person and connect them to local support services that can help.
Oxfordshire Homeless Movement offer further practical advice on their webpages.
School closures
In term-time schools update a school closures page on the county council website should they need to close for any reason including snow and cold weather.
Any other impacts on council services
Should any of the council's services be impacted by the weather conditions these will be listed here.
Thames Water
Should freezing conditions and a subsequent thaw lead to water supply issues Thames Water has information and advice.
Power outages
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks list power outages at any one moment. You can zoom in and out of the map on this page or search by postcode.
National Grid list power outage link and map is here National Grid - Power Cut Map
Register for a priority service
Power cuts and other utility losses can happen at any time and with little warning. During colder or wetter weather this can affect us more significantly. Register with your utility supplier for priority service if you:
- receive a state pension
- are disabled
- have a child under five