Keeping safe this winter

Plan your travel

In wintry conditions, follow advice on whether or not it is safe to drive. If driving on icy roads, give yourself plenty of time to de-ice your vehicle and get to your destination. Check to see if your car is ready for winter. Read further advice on driving in adverse weather.

Gritting routes

View gritting routes and follow @WSHighways to find out when our fleet of gritters are out and about or if any parts of our road network have been affected by severe weather. Report issues with our roads or make an enquiry.

Home Fire Safety

Our Home Fire Safety advice includes guidance on safely using traditional heating methods such as chimneys, log burners, candles, electric blankets, and portable heaters. You can also request a Safe and Well Visit or get safety advice on fireworks.

Met Office advice

See the Met Office's 10 things you should do now to prepare for winter or sign up for free Cold Weather alerts on their website, or phone 01392 885680 or 0370 900 0100.

Read our winter-ready advice for further guidance.

Make the right choice on health care
Health and care partners in Sussex are asking the public to ‘Help Us Help You’ as demand on services increase. Find out how you can make the right choice on which service to contact.

Vaccinations
Make sure you and your loved ones receive a free flu, Covid-19 and RSV vaccination if eligible. Book your flu and Covid-19 vaccination online using the National Booking System until 19 December. You can arrange an appointment directly with a local service or attend a walk-in session.

Recovery at home
Help loved ones leave hospital when they are clinically safe to do so. Every day spent in hospital when they don’t need to makes recovery longer and it’s ok for them to ask ‘when am I going home?’

Stop the spread
Help stop the spread of norovirus and learn about the symptoms, treatment and prevention. Washing hands with soap and water is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from flu, Covid-19 and other winter bugs.

Mental health support
Find tips and support for mental health.

Meals on Wheels
Regular hot meals can help keep you healthy and warm. Our Meals on Wheels service is available 365 days a year.

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

Falls prevention
Find out about how to prevent falls and access to our free falls prevention exercise service through West Sussex Wellbeing or Everyone Health (0333 005 0095).

Further advice
West Sussex Wellbeing hubs. There are apps you can download to help you manage common health concerns at this time of year. 

Heating

Heat your home to a comfortable temperature. Prepare for cold weather by checking your energy performance, identifying improvements, and maintaining your heating appliances. Read government advice and more advice on keeping warm from the NHS

Warm libraries

All libraries in West Sussex are open six days a week (Monday to Saturday) and offer a warm welcome. Libraries provide activities, events, information, and friendly staff to help you with topics ranging from saving energy to finding a job. Learn more.

Report a power cut

To report a power cut you can call 105 or 0800 316 3105. For more on how to report a power cut and what you can do to prepare, please visit the electricity provider for your area:

• UK Power Networks: Be winter ready
• UK Power Networks Live power cut information: London, East Anglia, South East England
• SSEN: Preparing for a power cut
• SSEN: Power cuts & safety

Energy bills support

For information, including how to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment please visit our energy bills cost of living webpage.

Warm Home Discount

If your household is on a low income or if you get Pension Credit, you could receive £150 off your energy bill. Contact your electricity supplier today to find out if you are eligible. To find out more at Warm Home Discount Scheme or call 0800 030 9322.

Cold weather payment

If you are eligible, you’ll get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March 2025. For more information visit Cold weather payments.

Energy and debt advice

Energy advisers at Citizens Advice can help if you are struggling to meet your energy payments. The service, which is run by Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice, is available to all West Sussex residents and can be contacted on 0800 145 6879.

Check on neighbours

During cold weather and winter months, please take time to check on frail or older neighbours and relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses.

Keep connected

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

School closures

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

Priority Services Register

Register for priority services for additional support for those most in need.

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

Citizens Advice support

Citizens Advice provides a range of support including advice on energy bills and changing energy tariffs. In West Sussex you can call 0344 477 1171 or visit Citizens Advice

Children and Family Centres

Families can visit their local Children and Family Centre for further advice and support. Find your nearest centre or call 01243 777807.