WARRINGTON Borough Council’s public health team is warning residents to be be careful following weather warnings for the Met Office.

A level three cold weather alert is currently in place across the region.

This is triggered when severe weather is happening and average temperatures have dropped or are about to drop to 2C with widespread ice and heavy snow is present.

Cllr Pat Wright, executive board member for health and wellbeing and adult services, said:  “Remember to check weather forecasts and plan the day around them. Look out for others particularly vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, keep warm indoors and take extra care if outside to prevent any accidental slips from icy and snowy pavements.

“If you have to go out, dress warmly and wear non-slip shoes to limit any falls. Also be sure to tell someone where you are going and an expected time when you will return. If you have a mobile phone, try to carry this with you, charged, so you can contact someone in case of an emergency.

“It is important to stay warm indoors particularly if you’re 65 or over, have long term health conditions or young children. Wear lots of thin layers, eat warm food and remember that moving about will help keep you warm.”

The Cold Weather Plan for England, available at gov.uk/phe, sets out a series of actions that health and social care organisations, voluntary groups, and individuals can take to help reduce cold-related illnesses and deaths.

For more information visit warrington.gov.uk/winter.