Snow and Ice

Keeping Warm and Safe

During periods of very cold weather, it is important to ensure that you stay warm and reduce your risk of injury by staying indoors as much as possible and avoiding travel unless it is absolutely necessary.

It is better to dress in several thin layers than rely on a single garment to keep warm. The layers of clothing trap air between them which helps retain heat.

Clearing pavements, roads and driveways

If you are fit and able, try to keep access to your house and the pavements adjacent to your property clear of snow and ice to make it easier for deliveries by your postman, milkman etc to take place and for the safety of your family and neighbours. Contrary to popular myth, you are very unlikely to be successfully sued by someone falling on an area which you have cleared.

Clearance and salting of roads is undertaken by the County Council on a priority basis. They will prioritize trunk roads and through routes. Residential areas are generally treated as low priority unless they provide access to sheltered accommodation or medical centres.

Hampshire County Council webpage on salting and gritting of roads

DirectGov "Snow Code" advice page on clearing snow & ice from pavements yourself.

Further Advice

DirectGov advice page on Preparing for Emergencies

DirectGov advice page on Winter Driving