Adverse weather

Preparing for snow and ice

When snow and ice affect the county, we recommend the following to help keep disruption to a minimum:

Only drive if absolutely necessary and, if you do, drive with caution. Even if roads have been gritted, do not assume they are free from ice and frost. At temperatures of around -5°C, or in heavy snow, salt will not prevent roads icing.
If you must leave the house, keep track of local weather forecasts and take a fully charged mobile phone, blanket, flask of hot drink, bottle of water and suitable shoes.
Listen to and watch local news programmes on the radio and television to keep up to date on the latest happenings.
Find out where your local grit bin is and if it's topped up. If it needs refilling, speak your local council as soon as possible.
Apply salt to paths and driveways. It is much easier to clear freshly laid snow than snow that has settled and become compressed.
If you find it difficult to get out during bad weather, make sure you have emergency tinned and frozen foods and medication.
Check on your neighbours and ask if they need any help or ask them for help if you need it yourself. If you need police assistance, call our non-emergency line on 101. If your request is an emergency, dial 999.
If you have a 4x4 vehicle and could help out during cold weather, consider volunteering to drive social care and NHS staff by contacting your local council offices.

Winter storm advice

Keep up to date with the latest storm warnings at the Met Office website, and for local advice check the East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council websites.

The Environment Agency website has details of flood warnings in your area.

Things you can do to prepare:

Make sure any loose objects outside are secured or stored safely.
If you have a garage, park vehicles inside if possible. If not, try and park away from trees, fences and walls.
Close and lock doors, windows and gates.

If a storm hits:

Try and stay indoors.
If you go outside, avoid walking close to trees, buildings, walls and fences.
Wait until the storm has passed before trying to fix damage.
Keep internal doors closed as much as possible.
Only drive if your journey is essential.
If you do need to drive, take extra care on high road, bridges and other exposed routes.

When the storm has passed:

Don't touch any loose or damaged cables, they may be live.
Avoid walking near buildings, trees, walls and fences as they could still collapse or fall.
Check on your elderly and vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives.