Things You SHOULD NOT DO as Temperatures Plummet.
Temperatures plummeted overnight across the UK, with forecasters warning more snow and freezing fog is due in the coming days. To prepare you for the drop in temperatures, here’s a guide on what you should NOT do in wintry conditions.
DO NOT pour boiling water on your car windscreen
Pouring hot water on your windscreen may seem like the quickest way to defrost it, especially in that early morning rush. But the rapid expansion and contraction of the ice as a result of the hot water could cause the screen to crack. Instead, turn on the engine and allow the air-conditioning to circulate around the car.
DO NOT leave your car unattended
Owners who leave their engines running while they run inside to grab something they’ve forgotten are a car thief’s dream -and also breaking the law. Drivers have to be ‘in control’ of their vehicle at all times. If you need to go back into the house you should turn off the engine, lock the car and head in.
Car insurers rarely payout if the keys are left in the car.
DO NOT drive to normal road conditions
Driving in snow and ice should not be taken for granted, no matter how little your area might have received. Black ice in particular has caused many accidents on roads where people thought they were clear to drive as normal.
Leave plenty of time for all journeys and take extra time to get from A to B. Don’t forget to maintain safe stopping distances and use your fog lights accordingly.
DO NOT fail to be ‘Winter Ready’
The Met Office has issued the following advice to become ‘Winter Ready’.
Consider doing the following:
1. Flu jab
2. Screen wash / tyres
3. Backup plans
4. Heating at 18 °C
5. Pack a grab-bag
6. Impacts of winds / flooding
7. If pipes are insulated
8. Stocking supplies
DO NOT go to A&E with treatable winter illnesses
If you are normally fit and well, many of the coughs, colds and minor illnesses that seem to strike us in winter can be safely managed by yourself. The NHS has provided plenty of advice on their website on how to treat these common ailments and you can also talk to your local pharmacist.
If you have any concerns you can call the NHS helpline on 111 for advice on whether to attend A&E or your local walk-in centre.
DO NOT let the temperature drop in your home
Putting the heating on might sound obvious, but different bodies have different temperature needs depending on age and general wellbeing. If you’re 65 and over, not very mobile or suffering from a health condition such as heart or lung disease, the NHS recommend heating your home to at least 18C.
