Heath bosses are urging East Devon residents to take extra care this weekend after meteorologists issued a severe cold weather warning.

The level three alert from the Met Office means average temperatures have dropped to two degrees centigrade or below, and/or widespread ice and heavy snow is present.

Dr Angie Bone, head of extreme events at Public Health England (PHE) said: “The Met Office has advised that many places are going to feel really cold for the next few days, which may be a bit of a shock after our recent milder weather, so it’s really important people take extra care when out and about.

“It’s worth remembering that while most outdoor slips, trips and falls in weather like this are to those who are of working age, accidents can happen to anyone.

“If you’re staying indoors, have plenty of warm food and drinks to stay warm. Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18 degrees centigrade particularly if you are not mobile, have a long term illness or are over 65, and check weather forecasts and plan your day around them.

“Also take some time to think about how the bad weather may affect your friends and family, particularly if they are older or very young or have pre-existing health conditions. These groups can be particularly vulnerable. Remember that older people may not go outside to the shops, to hospital appointments and so on when weather is bad, so think what you could do to help them.

“Although most of our advice on keeping warm and well in cold weather may seem like common sense, it’s important to remember that cold kills, even in places where the temperatures aren’t at their lowest.”

PHE has issued these tips to prepare for colder weather:

• look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold and ensure they

have access to warm food, drinks and are managing to heat their homes

adequately

• try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C, particularly if you are not

mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over

• stay tuned for weather forecasts, ensure you are stocked with food and

medications in advance (have deliveries or ask a friend to help)

• take weather into account when planning your activity over the following days

• avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at a higher risk

of cold related illness or falls

• discuss with friends and neighbours about clearing snow and ice from in front of

your house and public walkways nearby, if unable to do so yourself.

Further advice can be found by visiting www.nhs.uk/staywell.