Cold weather and snow

Cold weather and snow can affect anyone, but some people are especially at risk, including:

  • older people
  • young children
  • people with long-term health conditions
  • people living alone

Planning ahead can help keep you, your family, and your community safe and well by:

Before cold weather

  • Keep your home warm and heat the rooms you use most to at least 18°C. Close curtains at dusk and keep doors shut to block draughts. Wear several thin layers rather than one thick one.
  • Check you have enough emergency supplies of fuel, food, and medication
  • Prepare your home and insulate water tanks, lofts, and external pipes. Stock up on de-icer, salt or grit, and tools to clear snow and ice.
  • Contact your water and power suppliers to see if you are eligible for the Priority Services Register
  • Stay informed and listen to local radio, check the council website, and follow trusted social media for weather updates and service changes
  • Have your heating and cooking appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer to protect against carbon monoxide
  • Know where your nearest Welcome Space can be found. A Welcome Space is a council or community venue open for residents to visit or spend time, meet other people, feel safe and find warmth in cold weather.
  • If you need help keeping warm at home, Warm and Safe Wiltshire offers free, impartial advice on heating, insulation, and energy efficiency

During cold weather

  • Keep your home warm and heat the rooms you use most to at least 18°C
  • Check on vulnerable neighbours, friends, or relatives
  • Stay active indoors where possible to keep warm
  • Limit travel if you can. If you must travel:
    • check your route before leaving
    • make sure your vehicle is winter-ready (tyres, wipers, de-icer)
    • carry a blanket, food, and drink in case of breakdown
  • If you are worried about your health or someone else’s, contact your pharmacist, GP, or call NHS 111
  • Be a good neighbour and offer to help with shopping or clearing paths for those who cannot get out
  • Visit a Welcome Space, which is a council or community venue open for residents to visit or spend time, meet other people, feel safe and find warmth in cold weather

After cold weather

  • Make sure vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and well, and offer help if needed
  • Report any damage or issues to your landlord or utility providers and always use qualified professionals for repairs or inspections
  • Restock your emergency supplies

Severe Weather Emergency Protocol

Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is a Government-backed protocol that is launched during extremely cold weather when temperatures fall to zero degrees or lower for three consecutive days.

  • The Housing Options Team monitor Met Office forecasts and decide when to implement SWEP
  • During SWEP, we provide accommodation to anyone who presents themselves as homeless
  • Additional places such as B&Bs and hotels may be used if needed
  • Individuals can choose whether to accept an offer of shelter based on their circumstances
  • Details of SWEP being activated will be shared on the Council’s social media platforms and on the StreetLink website

Stay prepared and informed

See how you can build personal resilience before an emergency, including creating a grab bag and knowing who to contact, on our preparing yourself and others for an emergency page.

Remember, if you need urgent support, help is always available. Call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-urgent situations.

For trusted updates and local information during an emergency, visit our staying informed in an emergency page.

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