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North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group as part of their winter health campaign are raising awareness of the risks during bad weather and advising people to take extra care and watch their step.

During the winter months the number of recorded accidents due to trips or falls increases so it’s important that residents take precautions, especially the elderly in order to stay safe.

Dr Peter Melton, Clinical Chief Officer at North East Lincolnshire CCG said:

“The winter months can be a cause of concern for many local residents, particularly the elderly.

“The impact of a large drop in temperature and the onset of snow and icy conditions can increase journey times, particularly for those with limited mobility and long-term health conditions. If vulnerable residents are unsure of the road and pathway conditions, they should only make journeys when necessary.

“To ensure this winter is a safe one for all, wear appropriate footwear if walking on slippery pavements. This doesn’t just apply to the elderly as anyone can slip and fall during icy conditions, particularly during the Christmas party season.

“Falls can have serious repercussions regardless of age so we would strongly encourage all residents to follow the advice below.”

Our top tips:

• Keep updated with the weather forecasts
• Take walks in the daytime if possible, it’s much easier to see areas of ice or areas to avoid
• When icy or wet weather has been forecast, place grit or salt in well used areas such as your driveway
• If possible, avoid areas that are sloped, covered in wet leaves or in the shade as these areas will be a slip or fall risk
• In icy or snowy weather, buy some ice or snow treads that attach to the bottom of your shoes to stop you slipping and falling. These will make you feel much more confident walking about in bad weather
• If possible, try not to walk on your own in bad weather. If walking alone is unavoidable, let a family member know where you are going and give an estimated time of how long you will be

Clearing snow and ice from pavements can make moving around much safer and easier. If you do this carefully it is unlikely that someone will get injured. Follow these tips from Department for Transport to ensure you move snow and ice safely:

• Clear snow early in the day; it’s easier to move fresh, loose snow
• Do not use water, it might refreeze and turn into black ice
• Use salt if possible, it will melt the ice or snow and stop it from refreezing overnight (don’t use salt from the salt bins as this is used to keep roads clear)
• You can use ash and sand it you don’t have enough salt, it will provide grip underfoot
• Pay extra attention when clearing steps and steep pathways; using more salt may help

Councillor Jane Hyldon-King, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at North East Lincolnshire Council said “Where possible, please check on elderly neighbours or relatives ensuring they have enough food and medicine. The Council has plans in place for when low temperatures and snow hit the region and our gritters will be out helping to keep the roads across North East Lincolnshire clear. If you do need to go out when there is snow and ice on the ground, please watch where you are stepping as pavements may still be icy.”

For information on which roads and pavements will be gritted in snow or icy conditions across North East Lincolnshire please visit: http://www.nelincs.gov.uk/business/transport-streets-and-parking/roads-and-pavements/road-footpath-gritting/