Council staff to battle blizzards for elderly

An army of council staff will be braving the blizzards to make sure the elderly and vulnerable are cared for as heavy snow blankets the nation, the Local Government Association has said.

Town halls are also calling on neighbours to look out for each other and workers such as postmen, milkmen and newspaper boys and girls to be extra vigilant as winter tightens its icy grip on the country.

Last winter, more than 25,000 people died in England and Wales as a result of the cold temperatures. Most of these were aged over 75, and their tragic deaths could have been avoided.

Cllr David Rogers, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“It’s not just gritters which hit the street as councils strive to keep the country running through the treacherous snow and ice. Dedicated council staff will be braving the elements to call on the elderly and vulnerable to make sure they’re safe, comfortable, warm and well stocked with hot food and drink.

”Town halls provide a wide range of services which can help to prevent people from falling ill or feeling isolated, but local people also have a crucial part to play in helping identify those who may need more help.

“That, as a society, we allow tens of thousands of old people die needlessly every year is not acceptable. Eating well and keeping warm can make all the difference between life and death, and we can all play a part in making sure those more vulnerable than ourselves receive these basic necessities.

“It takes only a moment to think about an elderly neighbour who may not have the friends and family around them that you do. Spotting that someone hasn’t opened their curtains or picked up milk bottles from their doormat could be a sign they are struggling and need more help.”

Each year councils issue guidance to help people stay safe in the cold. Advice includes:
• Eat properly – this plays a big part in keeping warm and well. Hot meals and hot drinks provide warmth and energy.
• Keep active – any activity, even vacuuming, will improve circulation.
• Dress warmly – wrap up warm, ideally with several layers of thin clothing to trap the heat.
• Get a flu jab – the flu jab is available to anyone over 65 and people in "at risk" groups.