Community groups and voluntary sector organisations
Level 1
- Develop a Community Action Plan to ensure that pavements and public walkways are cleared of snow and ice in the local community. This might include identifying local resources (snow clearing equipment and stocks of grit and salt) and rotas of willing volunteers to keep the community safe during inclement weather and to check on vulnerable or frail neighbours.
- Get in touch with other groups who will be holding workshops or directing members/clients to benefits advice.
Level 2
- Implement the Community Action Plan (see Level 1 actions).
- Keep an eye on vulnerable people you know.
- Encourage local residents to keep the pavements free of ice and snow.
Level 3
- Implement your winter emergency and business continuity plans.
- Make sure that you check the health status of vulnerable individuals regularly. If you visit, check that indoor temperatures remain at recommended levels (see table below), that individuals take warm meals and drinks regularly and that they wear adequate warm clothing. Also provide advice about the health effects of cold and preventive action.
- Take account of weather-related road conditions when planning home visits.
- Ensure that you are able to contact your colleagues and clients if visits need to be rearranged.
Recommended indoor temperatures
| Indoor temperature | Effect |
| 21°C (70˚F) | Minimum recommended daytime temperature for rooms occupied during the day |
| 18°C (65˚F) | Minimum recommended night-time temperature for bedrooms. No health risk, though may feel cold |
The Cold Weather Plan and associated documents can be accessed at:
www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_130564