How to beat The Beast From The East
Survival tips on staying safe and keeping warm 😨
We Brits aren’t great at dealing with weather extremes. The first flakes of snow sent the train companies into a panic and the rest of us were caught in that ambivalent state between wanting to run outside for a snowball fight or snuggling into a duvet.
Wrap up!
If you need to head out into the cold, make sure you’re well-prepared. A lot happens to our bodies in the cold so layers and a hat are essential.
Whilst -5C is very cold for the UK, for other parts of the world it’s practically swimwear weather. Here’s some advice from the more chilled corners of the globe.
Help the vulnerable
There is widespread concern about how the homeless and rough sleepers can stay safe. A record number of the public have contacted StreetLink to report instances of vulnerable people who may need help. No-one should have to suffer on the streets in these conditions so here’s what you can do.
If you have any neighbours, friends or relatives who you think might need a hand, it’s worth reaching out and seeing if you can help.
On the roads
Red weather alerts have been issued for parts of the country, which means there is a risk to life. The official advice is to avoid travel if possible as road conditions are dangerous. If you do need to head out, make sure you’re prepared.
Furry friends 🐶
There are some creatures who are definitely enjoying the snow. Our longer-haired pets are in their element and there have been some delightful scenes of animals rolling around in the snow. However small and short-haired animals are vulnerable to hypothermia and you will need to keep an eye on elderly pets.
Power down 🔋
Low battery? If you find that your mobile phone is burning through its charge much faster than usual, it could be the cold. And it’s not just phones: wireless headphones and smart watches are susceptible too.
Cold weather exercise 🏃🏻
You’ll be forgiven if you think that the only exercise you should be doing in this climate is pulling on another jumper. But some people have been hitting the streets. If you’re brave enough to head out, make sure you’ve got your kit sorted.
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