Stay ahead of the weather as the cold snap hits

 

Cheshire East Council and its partners are offering a range of advice and support to residents to stay warm this winter.

As the weather becomes colder we are encouraging local people to be good ‘winter neighbours’.

Older people or those with heart or breathing problems may need your help during the cold spell. Checking to see that a home is warm enough is quick and straightforward. Living rooms should be heated to 21C and bedrooms to 18C.

Local charity Energy Projects Plus is working with the Council to provide residents advice on energy efficiency, information on insulation grants, switching energy suppliers and managing fuel debt. The charity can be contacted on 0800 043 0151. Information about heating repairs can be found at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/homerepairs or by ringing 0300 123 5017.

There are winter warning signs the Council has highlighted that we can all be on the lookout for which indicate something might be wrong. Check for milk being left out, post left in a letterbox or the curtains being drawn and lights left on during the day.

A home being left in darkness and dogs barking are other common signs that something is amiss. Checking your neighbour has enough food and medicines could also make a big difference and help them avoid going out in very cold or icy conditions.

Councillor Janet Clowes Cabinet member in charge of health and care in the community, said: “With falling temperatures and dark nights residents may be worried about their own ability to cope, or concerned about another adult or child. Therefore, I am appealing to all members of the public to pass on the key information we are sharing about staying safe this winter to their friends and family.”

Cheshire East Council and its partners are here to help. The winter pages on our website provide a wealth of advice and we urge residents to contact us, either by email or phone, if they have concerns. Residents can help friends and neighbours who do not have internet access by downloading and printing off information from the website and giving it to them.

The following advice helpline numbers may also be useful:

•             Adult safety – 0300 123 5010 (office hours) or 0300 123 5022.

•             Family support – 0300 123 5033.

•             Child safety – 0300 123 5012 (office hours) or 0300 123 5022.

•             Domestic abuse assistance – call the Cheshire East domestic abuse hub 24/7 on 0300 123 5101.

Cheshire East highways continue to monitor weather conditions and our gritters will be despatched to treat the Borough’s roads when required.

For further winter-related advice, please visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter