People urged to stay safe and well as cold snap hits

The Met Office is predicting a cold snap over the coming days and health chiefs have issued an Amber Cold Weather alert for the West Midlands with immediate effect until 8 January.

There is also a warning of snow and ice affecting Staffordshire over the weekend.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warn that cold weather can have a serious impact on health for older people and for younger people with long-term health conditions.

Jeremy Pert, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Care, said: “It is important that we all play our part in helping keep ourselves and the most vulnerable in our communities safe and well during the cold spell.

“Checking on elderly family and neighbours and taking extra care if out and about are all simple things we can all do if more severe weather does effect the county.”

Top tips include:

• Sign up for a winter health app at Winter Pressures - Staffordshire

• Check the weather forecast and the news

• Make sure you have sufficient food and medicine in.  Stay hydrated and Drink plenty of fluids with any medicine.  And if concerned about your or someone else's health, contact NHS 111.

• Take simple measures to reduce draughts at home

• Heat rooms you spend most time in, to 18 ̊C if you can

• Keep bedroom windows closed

• Wear multiple layers of thinner clothing

The county council’s fleet of 38 gritters will be out in force as temperatures fall over the next few days.

Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, Mark Deaville, said: “Our highways crews are back in action over the next few days as temperatures plummet and snow is forecast.

“We’re well prepared for winter and with more than 20,000 tonnes of salt stockpiled, crews are well-equipped to battle any adverse weather conditions coming our way.

“While the teams will be pulling out all the stops to keep the county moving, as always, I would ask that drivers also play their part too.  Please slow down, drive to the conditions and allow more time for journeys