Met Office Youtube feb 22 release
Level 2 cold weather alert has been announced from Monday 26th February for Kent by the Met Office, Level 2 weather alerts triggers an important stage for social and healthcare services including the NHS who will be working to ensure readiness to support vulnerable people who have health, housing or economic circumstances that increase their risk of harm.
As cold and wintry weather predicted over the next few days and beyond, families across Kent are being urged to prepare and follow a few simple measures to keep their loved ones safe and healthy.
The alerts warn that there is an 80% probability of severe cold weather in the South East of England between Friday morning (23 February) and Monday 26 February. The forecast warns it will be getting progressively colder with widespread overnight frost, low day temperatures and an increasing wind chill from the east as winds strengthen. Frequent snow showers also become more likely from Sunday onwards.
Prolonged cold weather can be a risk for anyone although vulnerable people, including the elderly are particularly at risk
Prepare your emergency kit
Preparing yourself for cold weather is very important, emergency services will be in high demand so having things to hand to help yourself could save lives take a look at our guide to all the essential items you’ll need in an emergency, when cold and severe weather strikes – for your home, on the move, and in the car.
What to have at home
How long could you last without power, heat, water and a trip to the shops? Take time now to put these essential items into a kit:
list of emergency contact numbers
battery operated torch and spare batteries (or a wind-up torch)
battery operated radio and spare batteries (or a wind-up radio)
any essential medication, some toiletries and a first aid kit
three days’ supply of bottled water and ready-to-eat food that won’t spoil
copies of important documents, such as insurance policies and birth certificates
pencil, paper, penknife and whistle
spare keys to your home and car
spare glasses or contact lenses
if needed - pet supplies
What to take on the move
Whether you’re travelling by car, foot or any other type of transport, check the weather forecast and pack these items:
suitable clothes for the weather, such as winter boots with grips, warm clothing or waterproofs
ready-to-eat food, a warm drink in a flask and bottled water
mobile phone and charger
any essential medication
spare glasses or contact lenses
cash and credit cards
list of emergency contact numbers
What to keep in the car
Before you set off, make sure you have the following:
ice-scraper and de-icer
snow shovel
map for unplanned diversions
blanket and warm clothes
ready-to-eat food, High energy/protein snacks such as fruit and nuts,
a warm drink in a flask and bottled water
first aid kit
battery operated torch and spare batteries (or a wind-up torch)
battery operated radio and spare batteries (or a wind-up radio)
jump leads. 
More information is available about how to keep yourself and others safe during cold weather through the following websites
People are urged not to go to A&E or call 999 unless it’s an emergency. If you are in any doubt, NHS111 can help you get the right treatment.
The free web app Health Help Now can be used to check symptoms or to find out when and where local services are open. It can also be downloaded to mobile phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers from http://kent.healthhelpnow.nhs.uk/
Or you can call the Wrinkly Helpline on 0330 122 8803