Keeping safe this winter

Be winter ready with our practical advice and guidance. 

Beat the chill with cold weather advice from GOV.UK.

10 things you should do now to prepare for winter, suggested by the Met Office

Sign up for cold-health alerts from the Met Office.

Use the keep warm at home checklist from the NHS.

Get ready for winter and stay well with West Sussex Wellbeing.

Stay Strong, Get vaccinated. Where eligible, stay up to date with your vaccinations, including flu, Covid-19 and RSV.

Help stop the spread of winter bugs; washing your hands with soap and water is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others, including illnesses like norovirus.

Find tips and local support for your mental health.

For social care or telecare service enquiries, call Adults' CarePoint on 01243 642121 or visit West Sussex Connect to Support.

Help prevent falls with the free falls prevention exercise service from West Sussex Wellbeing or Everyone Health on 0333 005 0095.

Discover more about meals on wheels in West Sussex.

Spot the signs of cold-related illness with advice from the NHS.

Use heating methods safely including chimneys, log burners, candles, electric blankets, and portable heaters with our home fire safety advice.

Request a Safe and Well Visit.

Fireworks safety guidance.

Christmas safety guidance from RoSPA.

Heat your home to a comfortable temperature, at least 18°C.

Prepare your home by checking energy performance and your appliances.

Check if you’re eligible for funding towards heating and insulation improvements.

Follow government and NHS advice.

Warm Home Discount Scheme (government scheme due to re-open October 2026).

Libraries in West Sussex are warm and welcoming places that everyone can visit free of charge.

Report power cuts by calling 105 or 0800 316 3105.

• UK Power Networks: Be winter ready.
• UK Power Networks: Live power cut information.
• SSEN: Preparing for a power cut.
• SSEN: Power cuts & safety.

Cost of living support and energy bills.

Request support from our Community Hub, including accessing the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Warm Home Discount Scheme (government scheme due to re-open October 2026).

Cold weather payments.

Winter Fuel Payment.

Get guidance from Citizens Advice on money issues, energy, food and more.

The Arun and Chichester hub is available to all West Sussex residents, contact details here.

Check on friends, family members, and neighbours, especially if they are vulnerable, living alone, and people with serious illnesses. 

Stay active with friends and family. Let them know if you can’t get out.

Schools should inform parents and the council of unexpected closures. We then update our schools information page.

Register for priority services for additional support with your energy supply for those most in need:

• Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks
• UK Power Network
• Southern Water
• South East Water
• Portsmouth Water

Our Best Start Family Hubs support all families. Find your nearest hub or call 01243 777807.

Avoid driving in adverse conditions and follow official advice.

Allow extra time to de-ice your vehicle and arrive safely.

Check the essentials with advice from RAC and AA.

Prepare a winter kit for your car with tips from the Met Office.

View gritting routes and follow @WSHighways for updates. 

Tell us about local road issues or make an enquiry.

Check bus, train and other public transport operators for updates.