Staying safe this winter

As the colder months are upon us it means that we can expect more snowy and icy conditions. This can affect roads and pathways making them more slippery for you and your vehicles.

We wanted to provide you with information on the locations where we grit and our gritting policy, as well as some tips on staying safe in these wintry conditions.

Our gritting policy – where we grit

Our staffed supported living schemes are home to our customers who need a helping hand from our colleagues. To make sure we can access these schemes during wintry weather, we always grit the paths here.

We also provide a grit bin at supported living schemes where they have:

• access via a steep slope
• a large amount of customers with vulnerabilities or difficulties with their mobility

We fill these grit bins at the beginning of the winter season and top them up as required. Please note that we don’t grit in other locations.

Your local authority may also provide grit bins where they are responsible for roads and footpaths. You can find locations of grit bins on their websites.

You can read our full gritting policy here.

Please contact us if you need more information about gritting or to request your grit bin to be topped up:

Email: info@karbohomes.co.uk

Call: 0808 164 0111

Cold weather advice

Please take care in wintry conditions. To help you to stay safe, here are some tips to avoid slips in the winter:

For walking:

• Take your time when walking – take short, flat steps. Use handrails if they are available
• Wear shoes or boots that provide good grip in the snow and ice. Wear flat-soled shoes and avoid heels
• Take care when getting in and out of vehicles, using stairs or entering or leaving buildings
• Keep your hands out of your pockets – this reduces your ability to use your arms for balance if you do slip
• Walk on clear paths as much as possible – avoid taking shortcuts over snowy or icy areas
• Don’t text or read while walking
• If you do slip, bend your back and head forwards to avoid hitting your head against the ground

For driving:

• Plan ahead, give yourself extra time for your journey and plan your route
• Check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather
• Don’t drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential
• Take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing, boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel. Bring a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down
• Before you set off you must be able to see. Clear all snow and ice from your windows and demist thoroughly
• Ensure your lights and number plates are clear, visible and legible
• Drive with care, even on treated roads
• Avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control
• Listen to travel bulletins
• Take note of signs that provide information about weather, road and traffic conditions