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How your Council helps you . .
Severe weather (e.g. heavy snow, blizzards, dense fog, gales, heat, flooding and widespread ice) can cause great disruption to daily routines.
Although certain sections of the community are particularly vulnerable, including older people and those who are infirm or who have disabilities, severe weather does not discriminate.
Leicestershire County Council and the District Councils of Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Oadby & Wigston all have major roles to play. On a County-wide basis, the County Council and the District Councils plan for severe weather conditions and, when these occur, co-ordinate the delivery of essential public services.
 The local authorities will make available their vehicles, buildings and other resources in order to respond to communities in need across Leicestershire.
Together with the emergency services and other agencies, the Councils will help to return the situation to normal as quickly as possible.
Everyone may also have a vital part to play during these difficult times. Being a good neighbour by being aware of those who may be particularly vulnerable is very important.
Success in helping people in severe weather depends upon action from a variety of agencies. Co-ordination of the response is undertaken by the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Local Resilience Forum, membership of which includes: local authorities, emergency services, health services, the armed services, and others. All have a vital part to play.
The response from these agencies is directed towards limiting the degree of disruption caused by severe weather and protecting the community - particularly the young, the old and the infirm.
During severe weather, such as heavy snow, roads can quickly become hazardous, blocked and inaccessible. Clear roads are vital in emergencies: ambulances, fire engines and delivery vehicles must be able to reach communities that may be cut off.
The County Council has over 50 snow-ploughs which can be fitted to its fleet of salting and construction vehicles and which are used during periods of heavy snowfall to keep roads clear.
These are supported by a similar number of farmers who are provided with snow-ploughs for their four-wheel drive tractors. We also have available volunteers with four-by-four vehicles to assist if necessary.
The aim is to provide reasonable access to all settlements. Minor and residential roads may remain difficult to negotiate and should be used with care.
Snow clearing is slowed down by abandoned vehicles. If advised to leave vehicles at home, drivers should do so. If stuck in snow, people should stay with their vehicles for as long as possible. If a car has to be abandoned, the driver should tell the Police by calling 0116 222 2222. This will help when the road is cleared of snow.
The County Council also produces a ‘Winter Salting Routes’ information leaflet showing the principal salting routes in Leicestershire. A network of depots, which store sufficient salt to treat priority routes, exists in the County.
However, because of rapid changes in the weather, these routes cannot always be guaranteed to be free from snow or ice.
Heavy snow and ice can cause a variety of additional problems – skidding lorries may shed loads; street lighting may be damaged and not working; road signs may be covered with snow.
More Winter Driving Information from the Councils' Highways Department.
RoadlineThe County Council's Roadline — 0800 626203 is a 24-hour helpline for highway reports and for the public to report problems on the roads and to obtain advice.
If it is anticipated that severe weather is likely to be prolonged, additional helplines will be established and these will be advertised in the local media.
When severe weather forces schools to close (e.g. through lack of power, heating or accessibility), school staff will inform local radio stations in and around Leicestershire. Information will also be posted on Leicestershire County Council’s website at www.leics.gov.uk/school_closures.htm.
To avoid making unnecessary journeys, parents, children and staff should tune in to local radio stations to find out if schools are closed and NOT telephone the school or the radio stations, as switchboards can quickly become over-loaded with calls.
The County Council's Adult Social Care Service will continue to provide normal services to those who receive home care, and mobile meals, for as long as conditions allow. Where conditions disrupt services, contact will be made with those people affected. All enquiries should be made to local Adult Social Care Services Department offices.
If emergency centres are needed, arrangements are in place with the District Councils, County departments and certain voluntary agencies to provide support with the setting up of identified premises.
The Council's Children and Young People’s Service may open some schools to provide shelter and food for residents without heating or power, or others with similar needs.
The Council's Adult Social Care Service will also assist in this process by providing welfare and support to vulnerable people.
The District Councils support the running of these centres, and may open similar facilities in their respective areas. They will also advise and give support on housing and other needs.
Throughout periods of severe weather, contact numbers and other useful information will be given out through:
Voluntary organisations also provide valuable advice and assistance during periods of severe weather.
The County Council's libraries.
See BT Phone Book under Libraries. The County Council's and District
Councils' websites Local Authorities Service Shops :
Leicestershire County Council Switchboard 0116 232 3232 Local Radio and Television BulletingsHelp to keep you informed of power cuts, bus routes remaining open, clear roads and school and library closures.
Some Handy HintsTo be prepared for severe weather these items may be useful:
For the Car
For the home
During Severe Weather
During a Heatwave
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