Express & Star Comment: Prepare to help others this winter

And with the temperature set to drop drastically over the coming days, it is time to dust off the overcoat and make sure the hats, scarves and gloves managed to survive last winter in tact.

If the weather forecasters are correct, we can well and truly kiss the warm, blustery days of autumn goodbye.

And when the temperature starts to fall, it is important that we take all necessary precautions to guard against the cold.

That means ensuring that our houses are winter-ready by checking that central heating is in full working order, and that the hot water boiler has been serviced.

Carbon monoxide alarms should also be tested.

We must also think of the elderly people in our communities.

It is important that we check on the elderly people in our communities to make sure they are alright.

Just taking a few minutes to see how the neighbours are getting on can be a great help during the winter months.

Of course, it is also of crucial importance that we take extra care on the roads at this time of year.

In the Black Country and Staffordshire thousands of tons of salt has been stockpiled in preparation for the drop in temperatures.

Gritters are on standby across the region, ready to hit the roads in an effort to make them safe for us to drive on.

With windy and icy conditions highly likely, the best course of action is always to stay at home.

Anyone who does need to use a car should allow extra time for their trip.

During exceptionally bad weather, long journeys should only be taken when they are absolutely necessary.

While our local authorities do their very best to keep the region’s roads safe to travel on, it should be remembered that gritters cannot reach every highway.

That means extra care should be taken while travelling on remote routes.

By helping our neighbours and taking the right precautions, we can all get through winter safely.