Snow Emergencies
We are all aware of the impact severe winter weather can have
on our lives. We are working to prepare for severe
weather to minimise the impact, but everyone can help by
preparing for the winter.
Social Care
Winter weather can have a great impact on our community.
You can help by calling on your neighbours to check if they are
warm, well and have enough food. The Department of Health’s
Winterwatch website has more
health advice during the winter months.
In extreme weather conditions, the Civil
Protection Unit (CPU) co-ordinates the Council’s critical services
and endeavours to minimise any disruption to members of the public,
in particular the most vulnerable members of our community.
Meals on Wheels
The meals on wheels service is classed as a priority and is
supported using resources from across the council. We will
endeavour to deliver meals on wheels to clients throughout the Vale
despite the snow. If necessary, mangers of this service will make
every effort to formulate alternative arrangements on a case by
case basis and communicate this to you, your family or your
carer.
Home Care
Home care (Domiciliary) Services provided both via the Council
and Council-funded providers will have the support of the Council
home care team. Where funded providers require it, the Council
services will support them where possible to ensure care needs of
vulnerable service users are met.
Residential Homes
During severe weather all the Council’s care homes will be fully
operational, with staff working patterns that are flexible to
ensure that the residents are looked after.
Day Centres
Service at our day centres may be subject to limitations due to
the weather. We will endeavour to contact clients at home and we
provide visiting support and advice
Council Services
Schools
Rapid notice of school closures is essential for parents and
guardians of our school pupils. We have introduced a text messaging
system. This will enable schools to text the notice of its status
(Open, Open staff only, Open Exams only, Closed) to the Council’s
contact centre, C1V (Contact One Vale). This will then quickly and
efficiently be placed on the Council's website and Twitter
account.
Rubbish Collections and Civic Amenities
Sites
Every effort will be made to continue rubbish collection.
Additional staff resources and innovative ways of operating will be
used to support the delivery of this service, but the safety of the
public, our staff and vehicles is paramount. The decision to alter
normal operations will be made taking into account the current, and
forecast, weather conditions.
Once the decision has been made on the services below,
information will be communicated to the public as soon as known
- Black bags
- Kitchen waste
- Co-mingled recycling collections
- Opening hours and any limitations at our Civic Amenity Sites
in Atlantic Trading Estate and Llandow
Weddings and Civil Partnerships
We will endeavour to make sure that our Registrars attend
Marriage and Civil Partnership ceremonies. Resources will be
allocated to ensure that this service continues to be provided
Registration of Births and deaths
There may be disruption to this service and opening times may
have to be changed. Please contact the Register Office before
attending to register.
By law a baby’s birth must be registered within 42 days of the
date of birth.
Leisure Services
There may be disruption to this service and opening times may
have to be change. Please contact your local Leisure Centre before
attending. All leisure centres can now be contacted on 01446
403000
Parks and Grounds
There may be disruption to this service and opening times may
have to be changed. Pease check the Vale of Glamorgan website for
further information.
Snow Clearing and Salting
The government have published The Snow
Code to give some practical advice about clearing snow and ice
from around your property and helping your neighbours
Here are a few tips for snow clearance:
- If possible, clear snow when it's fresh, as it's easier to
move
- Do not use hot water, as it can re-freeze, making conditions
more hazardous
- Apply salt sparingly - a tablespoonful can treat as
much as a square metre of ice
- Table salt or dishwasher salt can be used to melt snow and
ice
- Sand, grit or ash can be used but they will not melt snow or
ice, simply provide more grip.
Driving
Ice and snow can make driving hazardous so carefully consider if
your journey is necessary, and make sure you are fully
prepared.
The Vale of Glamorgan Road Safety Team has produced further
advice on driving in its winter driving tips.
Information on road salting, snow clearing and salt
bins can be found in the Highways' Winter
Service section.