'Be prepared’ for the heavy snowfall and icy conditions

'Be prepared’ for the heavy snowfall and icy conditions

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Greater Manchester Police is urging people to ‘be prepared’ for the heavy snowfall and icy conditions predicted for the next few days to keep themselves safe when out and about and using the roads.

They also want residents to look out for older and vulnerable people in their neighbourhoods as temperatures plummet potentially making them prisoners in their own homes.

Drivers are being advised to listen out for latest weather and traffic news on local radio and give themselves extra time to make journeys. They should also make sure that winter strength screenwash levels are topped up and that they remove snow and ice from all windows and lights of their vehicles before setting off.

Driving to road conditions are particularly important at this time of year and drivers should keep speed down, brake smoothly and in good time and take extra care on bends and slopes.

Carrying emergency items such as a shovel, extra warm clothes, a hot drink and snack and a fully charged mobile phone will help they say if you get into trouble. If you must leave your vehicle please ensure that it is not blocking the road or causing a hazard to other road users.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett from GMP said: “We have plans in place along with other emergency services and partners to keep people safe and try to ensure that life continues as normally as possible when we have heavy snowfalls and freezing conditions.

“People can help by following the advice given here when travelling and being prepared if they should fall foul of the predicted weather conditions.

“Please make an extra effort to ensure that older and vulnerable neighbours are warm, well supplied with food and hot drinks and are generally OK.

“You should also keep an eye on news bulletins on the changing weather picture and follow GMP on Facebook and Twitter @gmpolice #snow for the latest advice and information.

“By taking a little extra care and looking out for each other we can ensure that everyone stays safe from the dangers that the predicted conditions can bring.”