Kent and Medway will continue to be covered by a Cold-Health Alert well into next week.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office guidance has been downgraded from amber to yellow - signalling the low temperatures are a specific risk for vulnerable people including the elderly, very young, pregnant mums, and anyone with long-term conditions.
But the warning is set to remain in force until midday, Thursday 18th January, with daytime temperatures stuck in low single figures and some nights dipping below freezing.
Ice throughout this period will make surfaces extra slippery and possible snow around Wednesday 17th January could potentially cause travel disruption.
Given this, Kent County Council (KCC) is asking residents to check in on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours to make sure they keep safe and follow practical advice.
“Heating one room to at least 18°c, having hot food and drinks and getting the free seasonal vaccines on offer if eligible can all help protect against illness brought on by the cold”
Dr Anjan GhoshKent County Council Director of Public Health
Kent County Council (KCC) Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “Staying warm and well during cold spells is important for everyone, but particularly for people who are more susceptible to low temperatures.
“Given the sometimes delayed impacts of cold weather on our health, please keep looking out for the vulnerable people in your life, including our older residents, the very young, anyone with heart and respiratory conditions or poor mental health – and follow commonsense advice. If you are struggling, please visit kent.gov to find out what help is available.
“Heating one room to at least 18°c, having hot food and drinks and getting the free seasonal vaccines on offer if eligible can all help protect against illness brought on by the cold – reducing the need for NHS treatment or trip to busy A&E.”
“If you do need NHS help, NHS 111, online or via phone, is there for you and we list all pharmacies and urgent treatment centres at www.stopthinkchoose.co.uk”
Kate Langford Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway
Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “Prolonged cold weather can be a risk for anyone, but those who are vulnerable, including elderly people, those with breathing difficulties, and children under five, are particularly at risk.
"If you do need NHS help, NHS 111, online or via phone, is there for you and we list all pharmacies and urgent treatment centres at www.stopthinkchoose.co.uk.”
To help keep residents safe, KCC’s Highway Teams will continue gritting key routes as required. Stay up to date and check before you travel by searching for @GrittingKent, @KentHighways and @HighwaysSEAST on X (formerly Twitter) plus 'Gritting Kent' on Facebook.
During severe cold weather, local authorities in Kent and Medway will also continue providing emergency shelter to people sleeping rough.
South East Water is reminding customers to check their water pipes are lagged and outdoor taps are protected to help avoid bursts and cut down on energy costs - find out more at southeastwater.co.uk/winter.
The Kent Housing Group (KHG) has also issued advice for tenants. Brian Horton, KHG Chair, said: “It is important for tenants in both the social rented and private rented sectors to work closely with their landlords to ensure that their homes are warm and safe places during the winter.
“Our advice to all tenants in Kent and Medway is clear – if you have a problem with issues like damp and mould, faulty heating systems or hot water supply don’t delay, contact your landlord today.”
Many parts of Kent were dusted with snow as the first cold snap of 2024 gripped the county on the 8th January
For more information:
Visit kent.gov/winterhealth and ‘Keep well and be a winter friend this winter’ . You'll find tips here to keep yourself and others safe during very cold weather.
Read more about how to get your home and property ‘winter ready’ and keeping your home warm this winter on the Met Office website.
In an emergency, always call 999, but avoid using the blue-light services and A&E if you don’t need to. If you are in any doubt about what service to use, visit Stop, Think, Chose or call NHS111 so you get the right treatment. You can also download the NHS app to access a range of health services from your phone or tablet.
Note: for updates about this Cold-Health alert go directly to the KCC news page here: Forecast cold snap triggers extended health alert for vulnerable residents - News & Features - Kent County Council
Visit Kent Resilience Forum's Get Winter Prepared campaign pages: Get Winter Prepared campaign | Kent Prepared