1. Get Ready For Winter!

2. The winter is getting cooler, and winter is starting to set in.

3. Help communities Keep an eye on weather updates and the Met Office website for severe weather warnings. Sign up for free flood warning updates on the Environment Agency Website. Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours during particularly cold snaps to see if they need any help, especially if they are unable to leave their home.

4. Keeping warm and well If you haven't done so already, organise with your local doctors surgery to have your free flu jab. Keep your home heated at the right temperature (19-20°C) so you can stay warm, also remember to keep windows closed at night. Check the forecasts daily and ensure you have enough food, water and medicines.

5. Protect your home During or if severe weather is forecast, you should leave your heater on at the same temperature during the day and night. Make sure that radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture. If you cannot heat all your rooms, you should heat the room you live in during the day & bedroom just before bed. Remember to close your curtains and shut doors to keep in heat. Get your pipes ready for Winter. Check the condition of your loft insulation.

6. Get Flood Aware this Winter Keep up to date for forecast wet & windy weather. Strong winds can damage properties and nature, leaving debris, blocking rivers and increasing the flood risk in your area. Environment Agency is urging residents to check their areas flood risk via their website & be prepared for the possibility of flooding and its impact. Have a flood plan ready if you are in an area of risk.

7. Winter Travel Check local radio and local TV news for predictions daily. If you have to make a journey when snow is forecast, make sure you have warm clothes, food, plenty of water, boots, a torch and a spade. Prepare an emergency kit for travel. Try to wait until the roads have been gritted before travelling. Make sure your mobile phone battery is fully charged.

8. Out & About Avoid travel if at all possible. If you go outside wear several layers of clothing, and keep dry. Always adjust your driving to suit the weather conditions during periods of snowing conditions and beware of black ice. Do not walk on frozen ponds, lakes or rivers, you might fall through.

9. Out & About: Snow Code The Snow Code is issued by the Department of Transport on clearing snow & ice from the pavement outside your home or public spaces to prevent slips and falls. Take care when walking on compacted snow, it may have turned to ice. Remember to follow the snow code when you are clearing your drive/pavements on your street of snow. Do take care when shovelling snow, cold air makes it harder to breathe which adds extra strain to the body, and adds the possible cause of heart attacks for the vulnerable.

10. Further Info Essex County Council Winter Info (Including gritting/live tracker): http://www.essex.gov.uk/Pages/Winter.aspx http://www.essex.gov.uk/Pages/Winter.aspx Met Office: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ Environment Agency: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ NHS England: http://www.england.nhs.ukhttp://www.england.nhs.uk