The Council has launched its Your Neighbours Need You campaign, to encourage residents to be ‘good neighbours’ and look out for one another during periods of severe winter weather.
This page lists a number of actions which could help individuals, and in particular vulnerable residents, during period of heavy snowfall – which could bring with it freezing temperatures, an inaccessible road network and a halt to Council services.
Here are some broad actions which you could undertake – when it is safe to do so – during extreme winter weather. Further information is provided on the links below.
- Checking in on your neighbours – especially elderly or vulnerable people, who may be reliant on important services or help which cannot be delivered during periods of severe winter weather.
- Spreading salt from grit bins – when temperatures fall, the Council will spread salt on priority roads and ensure grit bins are topped up. But residents can do their bit too, by spreading salt on footways and ensuring their own driveways, and those of neighbours, are covered – when safe to do so.
- Clearing snow safely – the Council will target key roads and town centres to clear snow, bringing in contractors where possible. However, it is inevitable the Council can’t reach every street in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Individuals can do their bit, clearing snow when it is safe to do so.
- Keep up to date with news, and pass it on! – keep an eye on Council social media. The accounts will provide up-to-date information including important advice on travel, road closures, weather updates and services. A hotline for Elected Members will provide vital information, so look out for messages from your Local Councillor.
- Servicing your vehicles – if it is safe to drive, a number of checks and actions should be taken by motorists. For example, check tyre pressures and pack an emergency kit, including blankets, just in case. Sources such as the AA and RAC will provide more information about this.
- Wet conditions - the Council continually monitors its culverts and gullies and undertakes proactive measures by clearing its drains of fallen leaves etc. Where safe and possible to do so, residents and businesses are also asked to themselves help with small actions we can do which could make a big difference, such as removing fallen leaves and clearing other debris from private drains and properties, as these often result in blocked drains and gullies.
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Report it - to report issues outside of office hours, please call the Council’s Emergency Out Of Hours number 01443 425011. Also, follow the Council’s official Twitter and Facebook social media accounts for regular updates
Some members of the community might be affected more than others in heavy snow - and it is important that everyone looks after one another.
Our Streetcare Team will clear snow and spread salt on priority travel routes, but residents can do their bit too.
During severe winter weather, residents should consider whether it is absolutely necessary to travel.
Keeping up to date with the developing situation during a severe snow event is important, and informing others can help you be a ‘good neighbour’.