Well there goes Week 46 which ended with a very a quiet day today with two food boxes being delivered and a welfare chat.
Branston All Saints Food Bank
Tomorrow we’ll see Marcus and Judy managing the Food Bank. If you would like to donate to the Food Bank, the ‘Items Most Wanted List’ currently looks like this:
Anti-bacterial wipes. Cleaning sprays and cloths
Tinned vegetables (all types)
Nappy sacks
Breakfast cereals all types
Crisps and biscuits
Cat and dog food
Squash
Sugar
Anything that you can spare or donate will be great appreciated.
Due to the expected deteriorating conditions, I’ll make no apologies for continuing with yesterday’s winter driving theme for your advice and safety. However, I must reiterate that should only venture out for essential journeys.
How to drive safely in snow and ice
The roads can be dangerous in winter when there’s snow, ice or sleet.
The top tip is to take it slow.
Stopping distances can be 10 times longer when it’s icy.
Gentle manoeuvres and slow speeds are the key to safe driving in ice and snow.
In the season of winter colds, don’t drive with a cold if you’re feeling unwell and are on any medicine that could make you drowsy. This is especially pertinent if you’ve experienced side effects from the vaccine, It could affect your reaction times.
Before you set off
Allow extra time for winter ‘essential’ journeys.
Plan routes around major roads, which are more likely to be cleared and gritted.
Try to get up at least 10 minutes early to give you time to de-ice the car.
Wear comfortable, dry shoes for driving so your feet don’t slip on the pedals and indeed when out of the vehicle.
Check fuel levels – have at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delays.
Clear all windows using a scraper and de-icer and wait until the windscreen’s fully demisted.
If you drive an automatic, check the handbook – some have a winter mode or recommend selecting ‘2’ in slippery conditions.
If your vehicle has a 4 x 4 capability, ensure that you are familiar with how it works.
Driving on winter roads
Pull away in second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.
If you have to use your brakes, apply them gently.
Driving uphill – leave plenty of room between other cars or wait until it’s clear so you don’t have to stop part way up.
Keep a constant speed and try to avoid having to change gear on the hill.
Driving downhill – slow down before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid braking.
Leave as much room as you can after the car in front.
If you get stuck in snow or ice
If you get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels.
Put a sack, blanket or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip.
Clear your windows of snow, ice and mist
Don’t drive like a tank driver with just a tiny patch of windscreen to see out of. Make sure all your windows are clear of ice, snow and condensation before you set off.
Keep the windscreen and other windows clear of dirt and snow to avoid a fine.
Clear snow from the roof – it can fall onto the windscreen and block your view.
Air-con demists the screen faster and reduces condensation.
Replace worn or damaged wiper blades
Don’t leave your wipers on auto when you park up if there’s a risk of frost. If the blades freeze to the screen, you could damage the blades or wiper motor when you turn the ignition on.
Use a suitable additive in your screen wash to reduce the chance of it freezing.
Here’s some more advice on how to defrost a windscreen during the winter months.
Make your car visible in poor winter weather
With shorter days and more chance of rain, sleet and snow, there can often be poor visibility when driving in winter.
Make sure all car lights are working and the lenses are clean.
If the roads are really mucky, you might have to clean your lights after every trip.
Keep number plates clean, to avoid fines.
If you have to clear snow, don’t forget the lights – front and back.
You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced. If you use fog lights, remember to switch them off when visibility improves so they don’t dazzle other drivers or obscure your brake lights.
Choose the right winter tyres
It is recommend at least 3mm of tread should be in place for the winter.
Don’t let air out of your tyres to get more grip – it doesn’t work, and it’s unsafe.
Only use snow chains if there’s enough snow to prevent damage to the road.
Think about getting winter tyres or all-season tyres – these are made from a special rubber that gives better grip in cold, wet conditions.
I hope this helps and I will reiterate, please only go out if absolute essential.
Finally, for active volunteers, if you require Hi-viz vests, waterproof jackets, trousers or even a snow shovel, please let me know on 07395 906220
Take care, Stay safe and have a good week.
Thank you for your continuing support – BCG Committee: Andy, Jim, Linda, Liam, Joseph, Jonathan, Sharon, Kev and Graham 👍🏻