Residents urged to stay safe as cold snap hits the county

They have issued advice from staying warm at home to guidance on how to stay safe if venturing out on the roads.

Cllr Judith Heathcoat, Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “After a relatively mild start to the winter, the temperature has plummeted, which can cause a lot of disruption. Conditions can be very difficult and I’d urge the public to take note of the advice issued to keep them as safe as possible.”

Staying safe at home

Take extra care when using open fires or portable heaters to stay warm.

If you are sitting in front of a roaring fire make sure the fire stays in the grate:

• Only burn suitable fuels
• Never overload your fire place
• Use a British Standard fire guard to prevent sparks from escaping
• Before you leave the house or go to bed make sure the embers are under control and preferably out

When using portable heaters:

• If you haven’t used the heater for a while make sure it is clean and free from dust
• Keep them away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes
• Remember to unplug electric heaters before you go out or go to bed
• Don’t place heaters where they will get knocked over
• Only use gas or paraffin heaters in well ventilated areas

Staying safe outdoors

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is advising people to only venture out on the roads if their journey is essential. They also want to remind the public of the extreme dangers of playing near frozen lakes and rivers.

If you have to make a vital journey during the bad weather remember to keep yourself and other road users safe.

Top five tips for driving on icy or slushy roads

• It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions that on a dry road - drive slowly, allowing extra room to slow down and stop
• Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin
• Manoeuvre gently, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration
• To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently
• If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator, but do not brake suddenly

Top five tips when out walking in snow or slush

• Ice can easily hide under a light dusting of snow -  just because you don’t see the ice doesn’t mean it’s not there waiting for your unsuspecting footfalls
• Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear, wear shoes or boots with appropriate traction
• Don’t walk with your hands in your pockets, walk with your hands out and wear gloves so you can break your fall if you do slip
• Visibility is reduced in snowy conditions so wear high visibility clothing - consider carrying a torch
• Stay warm, but don’t impair your vision with scarves, hats, etc. - this type of clothing could prevent you from spotting icy conditions that may lead to a fall

Stuart Garner, Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service Risk Reduction Manager said: “Always stay off frozen rivers and lakes, the ice can be very thin and the sub-zero water temperature can quickly incapacitate most people.  If your pet should stray onto ice and fall through, naturally as an animal owner your first reaction is to help your much loved pet. However, you cannot help when you are in trouble yourself, in many instances animals will manage to scramble ashore unaided whilst you may be left stranded in the icy water.  Our advice is to keep dogs on leads near frozen water, don’t throw sticks or balls near these locations and if your dog does fall through the ice and gets stranded call 999 and wait for assistance.”

Mandy Rigault, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service Road Safety Team Leader, said: “If you have to venture out over the next few days please take extra care. Allow extra time for your journey and make sure you are prepared for the winter weather.  Before setting off, plan your journey and tell others your destination and expected arrival time. Make sure all your windows and mirrors are clear of snow and ice and have been demisted. If there is any snow on the roof of your vehicle clear this before driving.  Take a mobile phone with you for contact, remember to pull over and park safely before using it, also make sure you are equipped with warm clothes, food, boots, torch and a shovel.”

For more information about staying safe visit: www.365alive.co.uk