Stay safe this winter

Winter can bring heavy rain, snow and ice which can be dangerous if not prepared for. Here are our top tips to stay safe this winter.

Tip 1. 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.

Tip 2. 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.

Tip 3. Be safe, be seen

As the nights get longer, just planning your route ahead and taking a few precautions can make sure you and your family stay safe. Pedestrians - be safe be seen

Tip 4. Stay away from icy water

Don’t take unnecessary risks. Stay off the ice and keep pets on a lead.

If you fall through the ice:

• Keep calm and call for help.
• If no help is available spread your arms across the surface of the ice.
• If the ice is strong enough kick your legs and slide onto the ice.
• Lie flat and pull yourself to the bank.
• If the ice is very thin, break it in front of you and make your way to the shore
• If you cannot climb out, wait for help keeping as still as possible.
• Press your arms by your side and keep your legs together.
• Once you are safe, go to hospital immediately for a check-up.

Tip 5. Prepare for flooding

Flooding can be very destructive. Find out what to do in case of flooding and how you can prepare for it on our Oxfordshire Flood Toolkit.

Tip 6. 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

Tip 7. Get your electric blankets tested

We offer free electric blanket testing – find out when we’ll be in your area or get in touch to arrange a collection.