Winter Weather Advice

Be prepared for winter - and be a good neighbour

Over the last two winters the severe weather has kept many elderly and vulnerable people trapped in their homes. And those that have ventured out have put themselves at serious risk of falling - with hospitals witnessing the results.

Hambleton and Richmondshire Strategic Forum recognises the need to make sure that everyone is ready for bad weather. The best help is always to 'help yourself' and we hope that this information - produced in conjunction with Age UK - will help.

Despite that being a good neighbour is also vital - whatever age the person next door is, but especially to the elderly or frail. Clearing snow for them, doing some shopping, collecting prescriptions - or just simply having a chat can help people through the bad weather spells.

Power Off? - who to call

Residents with special needs - whether elderly, disabled or with a chronic illness - must be placed on the electricity distributor 'priority register.' This includes people with sight or hearing problems or who rely on electrical equipment at home - such as a kidney dialysis machine, stairlift, ventilator or specially designed bed. Uninterrupted power supplies cannot be guaranteed but everything will be done to restore power - or make other arrangements - as soon as possible.

Call CE Electric on 0800 169 7602 (It may also be necessary to make your local power supplier and social services aware of your needs).

Clearing Snow - what you can do

The Government's 'Snow Code' gives very clear tips on clearing snow and ice from pavements or public spaces. But don't be put off clearing paths because you're afraid someone will get injured - people walking on snow and ice have responsibility to be careful themselves.

The County Council will clear main roads and local parish or town councils may have made some additional arrangements locally, but it is unrealistic
to expect all pavements and roads to be cleared.

Snow Code

  • clear snow and ice from steps and steep pathways
  • clear the snow or ice early in the day - it is easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard packed snow
  • sand or ash can also be used - it will provide good grip under foot
  • take care where you move the snow - do not block paths or drains

Full snowcode at www.direct.gov.uk Opens in a new window or pick up a leaflet.

Stay Safe and Warm - check electric blankets

It is essential that electric blankets are checked before use. You will need a new one if there is worn or frayed fabric; scorch marks; wires poking through the fabric; and damage to the flex.

If there are buzzing noises from the controls; is giving off a smell - or if it is over ten years old, it must be replaced. For information call the Electrical Safety Council on 0870 040 0561 or check out www.esc.org.uk

Finding a Trader - who to trust

Always try to employ a tradesman or business registered with 'TrustMark' which is licensed by the Government. It will be working to a code of practice set down by an approved Scheme Operator.

Try to employ a trader who is TrustMark approved for the particular trade you need - a plumber for a burst pipe, an electrician for faulty lights. If there is not a relevant TrustMark trader in your area, ask friends or family if they can recommend anyone to do the job.

www.trustmark.org.uk or call 01344 630 804

Small household repairs and home safety advice is also available for older and disabled people through the Vale and Dale Home Improvement Agency. There is no call out charge and rates for work start at £8 for 30 minutes. Contact the agency on 0845200 8646.

Faulty Jobs...if work carried out has not been done properly - or you haven't been treated fairly, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 (Mon- Fri 9am-5pm) or www.direct.gov.uk (for consumer rights).

Need a Lifeline - support for older people

An emergency response service - that can include a weekly or monthly welfare visits - is available for older and other vulnerable people in Hambleton and Richmondshire. It operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

The service provides a lifeline alarm unit linked to the telephone line in the home which when activated automatically dials a contact centre where help can be summoned. The contact centre staff will assess the caller's situation and organise the most appropriate help. A team of staff can respond day or night should local named responders not be available to attend.

There is a cost for the service but funding may be available for those people who qualify.

  • Hambleton Lifeline . . . . . . 0845 200 7535
  • Richmondshire Lifeline . . . 01748 829100

Emergency Numbers

If the weather is severe and transport is affected an emergency helpline will be activated by Hambleton and Richmondshire District Councils.

  • Hambleton . . . . . . 0845 1211 555
  • Richmondshire . . . 01748 829100

Useful Numbers

  • Age UK North Yorkshire 01609 771624
  • Benefits Enquiry Line 0800 882200
  • British Gas Energy Trust 01733 421060
  • CE Electric (loss of supply) 0800 66 88 77
  • EDF Energy Trust Fund 01733 421060
  • Energy Efficiency Advice Centre 0800 512012
  • Energy Watch 0845 688 9594
  • E.on Caring Energy Fund 0800 051 1480
  • Hambleton and Richmondshire Rural Transport and Access Partnership 01609 761206
  • Home Heat Helpline 0800 336699
  • Keep Warm Keep Well 0870 155 5455
  • Northallerton and District Voluntary Service Association 01609 780458
  • North Yorkshire County Council 08458 72 73 74
  • Pension Service 0800 991 234
  • Richmondshire Council for Voluntary Services 01748 822537
  • Vale and Dale Handyperson Service 0845 200 8646
  • Warm Front 0800 316 2805
  • Winter Fuel Payments 08459 151515

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