AFTER the Met Office has predicted “wintery” conditions and the possibility of snow in some areas later this month, here’s how you can prepare yourself and your car for the wintery conditions.

It’s easy to get caught out these days with the weather, and it can be a real surprise when your trip suddenly turns into a hazardous ice rink.

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That’s the Met Office say it is best to back essentials in your car boot to make sure you’re ready if or when the time comes.

Here’s what you should keep in your car boot:

  • Ice scarper and de-icer

The Met Office say these are the basic items but are must-haves nonetheless. Legally you must keep your front and rear windscreen clear of snow and ice before driving.

  • Large torch with spare batteries

Although we all have smartphones with a torch, it’s best to be doubly safe and pack a large torch with spare batteries, or even better, a wind-up torch to light the way in the darker months.

  • In car phone charger

This is a great item for the car anytime time of the year, but it is especially important in the winter months when you might need to call for help.

If you break down somewhere with no signal then it’s best to travel to the nearest emergency phone. On quieter roads, you may need to travel to a nearby house.

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  • Warm clothes and a blanket

These are a great addition to keep you warm if you break down and you’re waiting for help, or when you’re de-icing your car. A big coat, gloves, a spare jumper and a hat can go a long way.

  • High-visibility clothing

This is pretty self-explanatory, but it’s good to pack these items in case you break down on a busy road during the evenings. This could truly save your life.

  • Jump leads

The Met Office warn that in colder weather it is much more likely for car batteries to die. It’s always a good idea to have a pair of jump leads in the car, even to help jump start another person’s car in some cases.

  • Empty fuel can

Most of the time we plan our journey’s to include fuel stops, however, this is a good idea in case you get caught out for some reason and run out of fuel. It is considered dangerous to store a filled fuel can in your car so it’s best if it is empty for you to fill up if needs be.

  • Food and drink

When setting off on a journey through the winter, it’s best to pack some food and drink items, especially a flask of something warm, in case you’re waiting a while for the snow to clear or some help.

  • Shovel

Although it is rare you will find deep snow on roads, some smaller roads may be impassable or you may get stuck in a blizzard. A shovel is a great item to help dig your way through or out.

  • Warning triangles

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These are a great way of making people aware that you have broken down. The best thing to do is place one to the front of the car and second one to the rear, and they should be placed at least 45 metres away from the vehicle.

The Met Office has also expressed how dangerous winter weather can be for your health, especially if you’re elderly or immunocompromised.

Dealing with winter illnesses:

Flu is something we have all experienced, however, flu can affect people in different ways and can be more serious than you think, according to the Met Office.

The flu vaccination is offered free of charge to people who are most at risk from the virus and is the best way to combat this issue.

Contact your GP or pharmacist if you think you, or someone you care for, should be eligible for a free flu jab.

Coronavirus can also thrive much more in the colder weather so the Met Office remind people that it’s important to get tested as soon as possible if you have:

  • A high temperature
  • A new continues cough
  • A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

Handwashing:

The Met Office stress how important it is to wash your hands with soap and water. This is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from illness during the colder months.

Keeping warm and active:

This is important to help prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems during the winter months.

The Met Office say that eating regularly helps keep you warm so it’s good to try and have at least one hot meal a day along with regular hot drinks.

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It’s good to keep your house warm and close your window on a night, as on colder nights, breathing cold air can be bad for your health and can increase the risk of chest infections.

Keep up to date with the weather:

It’s a good idea to keep up to date on the weather to ensure that you can prepare to dress appropriately and when and when not to travel.

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