CEREDIGION residents are being advised about how and where to access the most up-to-date information to keep them safe this winter.

In recent years, Ceredigion has been affected by severe weather such as flooding, so local organisations worked closer together in the run-up to winter to ensure a swift and co-ordinated response to any problems this year.

Previous severe weather events meant that Ceredigion County Council, alongside partners like Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Natural Resources Wales, HM Coastguard, Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations, the British Red Cross, and St John Cymru-Wales, have worked closely together clearing roads, rescuing stranded motorists, pumping flood water away, and providing care and support.

Ceredigion council Cabinet member for transport, Cllr Alun Williams, said: “The unpredictability of such incidents necessitates ongoing planning and exercising so that we can continue to provide an effective response in terms of the safety of our communities.

"We have been working closely with partners and the local community to try to put plans in place to mitigate and cope with severe weather.”

Residents are advised to seek information in the following ways:

• Natural Resources Wales – sign up to flood warnings on the Floodline number 0345 988 1188 or visit http://naturalresources.wales/flooding/alerts-and-warnings/floodline-warnings-direct/?lang=en

• Ceredigion County Council – general advice on gritting routes and safe driving information - www.ceredigion.gov.uk/English/Resident/Travel-Roads-Parking/Highways-During-Winter/Pages/default.aspx

• Ceredigion Council civil contingencies’ emergency advice, severe weather information, preparing for a flood, community resilience, emergency contacts - www.ceredigion.gov.uk/English/Resident/Emergency-Advice/Emergency-Planning/Pages/default.aspx

• MET Office – Get ready for winter campaign www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/get-ready-for-winter

• Dyfed-Powys Police – Preparing for emergencies www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/media/1159/dplrfcrrv10en.pdf

• NestWales - Tips to help you keep warm and save money on your energy bills - www.nestwales.org.uk

• Cymdogion Cynnes - Advice on keeping warm this winter - www.ceredigion.gov.uk/English/Resident/health/cymdogion/Pages/default.aspx

• Public Health Wales - Advice on measures that can be taken to reduce the health risks from flooding, heatwaves and the extreme cold www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/43886

Also look up Ceredigion County Council on Facebook and Twitter.

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