New severe cold weather warning for Kent residents

With the current severe cold weather now forecast to extend to the end of the week in the South East, Kent residents are urge to continue following simple steps to help vulnerable friends, families and neighbours keep safe.

A new Level Three cold weather Met Office warning for the region is now in force to 9am, Friday (16 December) with very cold nights with widespread frosts expected and daytime temperatures just above freezing.

Wintry showers are likely to continue to affect some coasts, bringing a risk of icy patches. Forecasters say there is also a possibility of Atlantic weather bringing stronger winds and a further risk of snow to some southern parts of England mid-week.

Nationally, there are thousands of excess winter deaths every year because of a drop in temperature and a direct increase in rates of heart attacks, strokes, respiratory diseases such as influenza, falls and other injuries, and hypothermia.

And severe weather alerts trigger actions in the NHS, public health, social care and other community organisations, to support vulnerable people who have health issues.

Kent County Council (KCC) Director for Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “Cold weather can affect anyone, but people with underlying health problems, such as older people and those who are frail, are at greater risk.

“It is vital that during this prolonged period of severe weather, residents keep themselves and their homes warm – even if this is just by heating the bedroom and living room.

“We are also urging people to look after vulnerable family and neighbours, and to assist their local community. Taking measures to stay warm and work with others can make a life-changing difference.”

Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “Staying warm during cold weather is really important and there are simple steps we can all take to help ourselves and vulnerable friends and family.

“Cold weather can make some health problems worse and some people may need extra help during the winter. Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, or if they're feeling unwell.

“If you do need NHS help and you’re not sure where to go, visit www.stopthinkchoose.co.uk for a list of local services, including urgent treatment centres.”

Remember to get your flu and Covid-19 vaccines and the Covid-19 booster jab. Find out more about how and when to book flu vaccinations and Covid-19 vaccines.

More information is available about how to keep yourself and others safe during cold weather through www.kent.gov.uk/winterhealth

There are tips below about how to keep yourself and others safe during cold weather, and you can find out more information at www.kent.gov.uk/winterhealth