Advice for Residents - Winter Weather

When at home in winter weather 

• Prepare to be isolated for at least three days.
• Prepare an emergency supply kit.
• Have a supply of rock salt to melt ice.
• Make sure walls and attics are insulated before winter.

Check the weather forecast

Keep a regular check on the local weather forecast. Visit Met Office - Basildon weather map (opens new window) .

Clearing snow and ice from pavements yourself - myth buster.

Anyone can clear snow and ice from the pavement outside their home or public spaces to prevent slips and falls. Don't be put off clearing paths because you're afraid someone will get injured. Remember, people walking on snow and ice have a responsibility to be careful themselves.

Follow the snow code to clear snow and ice safely,  see Clearing snow and ice from pavements yourself (PDF) [31KB] (opens new window) .

When going out in winter weather

• While driving always take extra care and adjust your driving to suit the conditions.
• Never assume a road has been gritted. No road can be guaranteed to be free of ice or snow and black ice is often invisible.
• Only drive if absolutely necessary, use public transport if possible.
• Check the weather forecast before starting out.
• Try to use primary roads.
• Allow extra time for your journey.
• Ensure your vehicle is in good order, lights and indicators are clear, anti freeze has been added to its radiator, and low freezing screen wash is in the washer bottle.
• Fill your fuel tank regularly.
• Tune into your local radio station for travel news.
• Have emergency items in your car including: 

        - Warm coat, extra clothing and suitable winter footwear.
        - Blanket or sleeping bag.
        - Torch and extra batteries.
        - Shovel.
        - Water and snacks.
        - Tow rope or chain.
        - Jump leads.
        - Mobile phone.

When going out in Fog

Travelling in fog can be dangerous; it can be patchy and drift rapidly. The Met Office issues warnings of fog when visibility is forecast to fall below 200 metres.

You may find the following useful in keeping you and your family safe.

• Avoid travel if possible.
• Drive slowly with dipped headlights.
• Use fog lights; but remember to turn them off when visibility improves.
• Keep an eye on your speed; fog gives the impression of moving in slow motion.
• Do not tailgate
• Beware of freezing fog it can quickly form a layer of ice.

If you get stuck in a remote area.

• Pull off the road
• Turn on your hazard lights
• Remain in your vehicle

• Only leave the car if there is a buildings very close in which you can shelter
• Take turns sleeping so you can see or hear rescue teams.

Links to winter weather advice and information

Met Office travel information 

• Met Office - Winter Travel Advice (opens new window).

Essex County Council information

In freezing weather Essex County Council are responsible for gritting roads in the Basildon Borough .

See  Essex County Council - Winter Service (opens new window) for information on the following:

• School closures
• Live updates - from Twitter, from websites and local radio
• Gritting the roads - A roads, B roads and others gritted by Essex County Council, Motorways and trunk roads gritted by The Highways Agency   
• Clearing snow - Salt Bag Partnership, Clearing snow yourself
• Salt stocks - Salt bins, salt bags, salt stocks
• Winter driving - Check list.

Basildon Council information

 Basildon Council's refuse and recycling collections may be disrupted by winter weather.

Other useful links

• Met Office - Seasonal Weather Advice (opens new window)

• Meteorological Office (opens new window)   - Weather conditions.

• GOV.UK - Highway Code (opens new window)
• Traffic England - Live Traffic Information (opens new window)