As colder weather sweeps across the country over the next few days, it is more important than ever to protect yourself from icy temperatures says Herefordshire Council.

Matt Pearce, Herefordshire Director of Public Health, said: “With the forecasted drops in temperature across Herefordshire, it is important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold.

“Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people, those with pre-existing health conditions and those sleeping rough.

“We would ask neighbours to stay alert in their communities and look in on vulnerable neighbours. If you are venturing out wrap up warm and watch out for ice on untreated surfaces.”

Here are tips from Herefordshire Council to keep yourself and others safe during periods of cold weather:

Temperatures are expected to turn particularly cold overnight. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65 it is important to try and heat the rooms where you spend most of your time, such as your living room or bedroom, in the coming days. You should aim to heat these rooms to at least 18 degrees if you can.

Wear warm clothes both inside and outside of the home, several lighter layers are better than just a single heavy one.

Have at least one hot meal a day - eating regularly helps keep you warm and make sure you have hot drinks regularly.

Keep Herefordshire Warm (KHW) is encouraging residents to prepare for the cold weather. KHW offers free impartial advice to Herefordshire residents and advisors are on hand to provide advice on keeping warm throughout the forthcoming cold period and beyond.

For more information on the above or for any matter relating to energy visit https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/housing-3/home-energy or call Keep Herefordshire Warm on 0800 677 1432.

For further information on how to keep warm this winter, visit https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/family-support/winter-health-warmth-safety

As temperatures are forecast to plummet below freezing again tonight, it’s important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold.

Keep an eye out for elderly neighbours. Make sure they are having a hot drink and a hot meal.

Herefordshire Council is urging anyone in the county without a roof over their head to contact the Housing Solutions Team to get help with securing accommodation.

The team will assess every individual situation and work to provide accommodation for the night. The Housing Solutions Team can be contacted between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday on 01432 261546 or 01432 261547. The team can also be contacted by email at [email protected]

Anyone needing help with accommodation outside these hours can contact the Out Of Hours duty officer on 01432 261600.

For more information about services for homeless people in Herefordshire visit https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/housing-3/housing-herefordshire/7

Please drive according to the weather conditions and take care on the roads. Major routes will be gritted throughout the predicted cold spell.

You can view a map showing all primary gritting routes at: https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/roads-1/winter-gritting-routes