While these episodes last, it is advisable to spend as little time as possible outdoors. Try and take shelter indoors, at home or in the workplace for instance. Avoid unnecessary trips outside, but if you need to get somewhere aim to use public transport. If you’re walking, bear in mind that snow and ice can cause slippery conditions under foot. Wind accentuates this danger, and the combination of cold air, snow and strong winds reduces visibility to a minimum and increases the sensation of cold.

It’s important to wrap up, particularly your face and your head, to avoid extremely cold air getting into your lungs. It’s also advisable to wear various layers of light and warm clothing instead of a single heavy garment, and to avoid very tight clothes.

If you’re at home:

• Keep torches and mobile phones charged. Make sure you have food and a first aid kit too.
• Ventilate the home from time to time to avoid issues with poor quality air.
• Check the rooftop is in good condition.
• Take special care of young children and the elderly, who should not go outside.
• Check that heaters and gas water heaters are working properly.
• Do not position heaters within one metre of washing hung out or furniture.

If you’re in the car:

• Avoid unnecessary journeys and if you have to travel, try not to do so alone. It’s also best to avoid travelling at night as dangers may be more difficult to detect.
• Look for shelter and if you can’t find any, stay inside the car with the heating on and a window slightly open.
• Don’t fall asleep with the engine running.
• Clean the snow from your vehicle and the exhaust pipe.
• Fit wheel chains to your vehicle if there is ice or hard snow.
• Knock on the bonnet or sound your horn before starting your car. There may be animals in there seeking a warm spot.

As ever, in the case of an emergency, call 112.