Suffolk Fire Service urges residents to take extra care during cold and icy conditions
With heavy wind and rain also expected, they want everyone to be safe.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to take extra precautions as cold, icy and wet weather continues across the county, with warnings in place for hazardous conditions.
The Met Office shows we could see gusts of wind up to 42mph this weekend, with a lot more rain continuing into next week.
Lee Wilkins, Group Manager and Head of Prevention at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said falling temperatures bring a wide range of risks, both inside and outside the home.
He said. “Unfortunately, sometimes people tend to take more risks, particularly with different types of heating.”
Mr Wilkins warned that colder weather can lead people to rely on portable or electrical heaters, which can increase the risk of fire if not used safely.
Beyond the home, he said icy conditions also create dangers on roads and around water.
“As a Fire Rescue service, we attend a multitude of different types of incidents, but we also try to give out as much advice as possible to keep everybody as safe as possible,” he said. “Throughout Suffolk, in their homes, on the roads and around our waterways.”
Road safety advice during icy weather
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service works closely with partners as part of local and national road safety partnerships, focusing on education and prevention rather than enforcement.
Mr Wilkins said motorists should ensure their vehicles are fully prepared before setting off in freezing conditions.
“Making sure everything’s de-iced, people tend to do their windscreens but tend to leave their lights,” he said. “So actually they’re not visible as a vehicle as well, and they won’t be able to see as well as possible.”
Drivers are also advised to plan journeys carefully and stick to main routes where possible.
“You can go on the County Council website to look at the gritting routes,” he said. “They’re the roads you really want to be using. You don’t want to be on any roads in these types of temperatures that haven’t been gritted.”
Be prepared in case of breakdowns
For those who must travel, Mr Wilkins recommended carrying an emergency kit in case of breakdowns or delays.
“You can take some simple practical steps to keep yourself safe,” he said. “You can have almost like a DIY emergency kit… everything from food, warm blankets, high-vis vests, warning triangles, torches, warm blankets, coats.”
He added that breakdowns in cold weather can leave people without heating for long periods.
“Sometimes you break down, your engine actually might stop running as well,” he said. “So that means you won’t have any heating… how can I keep myself and my family comfortable and safe until someone comes to rescue me?”
Keep up to date and know your location
Residents are also encouraged to stay informed about changing conditions.
“People should probably keep looking at the Met Office, get the app, look online, keep an eye on what the weather’s going to be doing,” Mr Wilkins said, noting that rain can quickly turn to sleet or snow as temperatures fluctuate.
He also highlighted the importance of knowing your location if emergency help is needed, particularly in rural areas.
“There’s a really good app out there called what3words,” he said. “If you’re able to give a description… or the what3words, it makes it a lot easier for us to come and find you and locate you and help you.”
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service says simple preparation and awareness can make a significant difference during periods of cold and icy weather.