Are You Weather Ready?

With the winter months now well and truly upon us, don’t get caught out by severe weather.

With a drop in temperature and the arrival of sub-zero conditions, particularly into the evenings and late at night, it is vital to plan ahead and prepare for all eventualities.

Last winter, the County Borough experienced two periods of snow with freezing temperatures, in December 2017 and March 2018. While the Council’s proactive approach and comprehensive response was praised, there’s always more that can be done in preparation for severe weather.

Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, with responsibility for Highways and Streetcare, said: “In recent months we have already seen the impact severe weather can have on our communities, which is why we must all work together to minimise the impact when winter weather hits us.

“The Council prepares for severe weather at any time of the year and staff work around the clock, alongside other organisations and agencies during a severe weather period.

“But every one of us has a part to play and we can all take simple steps to offer support to family, friends and neighbours, especially elderly and vulnerable individuals. Thinking ahead can make a huge difference when the weather takes a turn for the worse.”

In light of this, the Council has launched its Your Neighbours Need You campaign, to encourage residents to be ‘good neighbours’ and look out for one another during periods of severe winter weather.

The Council has also purchased three brand-new 4×4 vehicles fitted with snow ploughs, which can access side roads that the larger vehicles cannot. The Council has also added a new six-wheel-drive 18-tonnegrit vehicle to its fleet.

The Your Neighbours Need You campaign encourages residents to help each other – and in particular vulnerable people – during periods of heavy snowfall.

It promotes a number of small actions that ‘good neighbours’ can undertake during severe winter weather.

Motorists are advised to follow television and radio weather forecasts, and the Council’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as allowing extra time for journeys.

Young parents are also advised to follow the Council’s social media accounts for regular schools and local services updates.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is supporting the Met Office Weather Ready campaign. Our Streetcare Team monitors winter weather conditions and actions and road treatments are carried out accordingly.

Gritting: The Council’s Winter Maintenance Policy

The Met Office recommends that households have a torch, candles, bottled water and some basic food supplies available in case of emergencies. If able to do so, residents are also advised to carry out some simple checks and maintenance around the home. Make sure all drains and guttering are clear and all pipes are insulated or protected.

Winter Weather Advice: Welsh Government

Are You Weather Ready: Met Office

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Posted on Monday 28th January 2019

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