The winter season is now upon us and Public Health Dorset urges everyone to take extra care of themselves and one another whilst the temperatures are low. 

Across the country colder temperatures are forecast, with both the Met Office and UKHSA warning that all regions of England will experience severe cold weather up until Monday.

Anyone can be affected by prolonged spells of cold weather. Colder weather brings with it an increased risk to respiratory infections, such as flu and COVID-19. 

It is important that Dorset residents take action to help themselves and loved ones warm and safe during this cold spell. 

Cllr Peter Wharf, Dorset Council's portfolio holder for Adult Social Care and Health, said: "Colder weather can be challenging for many people. We need to look out for everyone, the very young, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions who may struggle to keep themselves warm and well fed. These groups are particularly vulnerable to severe cold weather, but everyone needs to take care." 

Information about warm spaces in Dorset can be found at: Warm Spaces And Places - Warm Welcomes in Dorset - Cost of Living Crisis Community Support (helpandkindness.co.uk)  

• Try to heat the rooms you use to at least 18°C if you can, as this reduces the risk to health of someone wearing suitable winter clothing.  
• Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, and it is therefore important to try and heat the rooms you use to at least 18°C if you can, particularly if you have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease.  
• If you can't heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to sleep. 
• Do not use a gas cooker or oven to heat your home; it is inefficient and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning which can kill. 
• If you are not on mains gas or electricity, make sure you have a good supply of heating oil, LPG or solid fuel so you do not run out in winter. 
• Keep your bedroom windows closed on a winter's night; breathing cold air can increase the risk of chest infections. 
• Keep moving if you can, this will help keep you warm. Try not to sit for more than an hour, get up and walk around, make a hot drink and spread housework throughout the day.  
• Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer; this will trap the heat better to keep you warm. Thin layers of clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are particularly good for maintaining body heat. 
• Check on frail or older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses to make sure they are safe, warm and well. 
• Wear shoes with a good grip to prevent slips and falls.  
• Make sure you have spare medication in case you are unable to go out. 
• Food is a vital source of energy and helps to keep your body warm so have plenty of hot food and drinks. 
• Prepare for cold weather. Stock up on tinned and frozen foods, warm clothes and any medication so you don't have to go out too much when it's cold or icy. 
• Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by furniture or curtains. Tuck curtains behind radiators to keep heat inside. 
• Fit draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors 
• Power and utility companies have schemes which make at-risk groups a priority for reconnection following power cuts. Find out if you meet the criteria and to sign up. Visit www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/household-gas-and-electricity-guide/extra-help-energy-services/priority-services-register-people-need  
• For advice on energy bills and energy efficiency, contact Simple Energy Advice: 0800 444202 or visit www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/ 

Staying safe on the roads

Meanwhile, gritters are going out this week for the first significant operation of the autumn and winter season on motorways and major A-roads as temperatures dip across the country.

National Highways, which operates England's 4,500-mile strategic road network, is urging drivers to take care during the poor weather while also giving gritting teams space to operate.

The government-owned company switched over to autumn and winter operations on October 1, readying teams at 128 depots across the country to keep the country's busiest roads open in the face of deteriorating weather.

This includes monitoring Met Office weather forecasts along with regular road assessments from meteorological experts DTN and MetDesk.

With milder weather in October and November, minimal action was needed on our roads network with road surface temperatures staying above one degree until now.

That has now changed, with National Highways' comprehensive forecasting services indicating road surfaces are at risk of developing ice in certain regions today – triggering the need for gritter drivers in numerous areas to conduct their first salt spreading runs of the season.

Essential advice for motorists this winter season

• Stick to the main roads where you can and only travel if necessary.
• Slow down – it can take 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions.
• Use a high gear – this will help avoid wheel spin.
• Accelerate gently, using low revs. You may need to take off in second gear to avoid skidding.
• You may need up to 10 times the normal gap between your car and the car in front.
• Try not to brake suddenly – it may lock up your wheels and you could skid further.
• Be extra cautious at road junctions where road markings may not be visible.
• Look out for gritters spreading salt or using snow ploughs, and only overtake if it's safe to do so.

Darren Clark, Severe Weather Resilience Manager at National Highways, said: "We manage a huge roads network nationwide – with over 4,500 miles of motorways and A-roads.

"Not all roads will need treating on any given day. Gritters may need to go out in some regions if road temperatures fall below +1 degrees C, and if there is a risk of ice forming, but not in other areas if conditions are not as cold.

"National Highways is committed to treating every road which needs to be treated – whenever it is needed. We are armed with the latest technology, forecasting intelligence and years of experience to help us make informed decisions about where and when we need to spread salt to help keep road users safe in even the most adverse weather conditions."