ACTIVE: Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) in some areas of Somerset

Safe and warm accommodation may be available for rough sleepers during the cold weather. If the temperatures are below zero in your area, please check if you can access the service by calling 0300 123 22 24 during office hours and 0300 123 23 27 out of office hours. Spaces are limited, so please phone as early as possible.

Outreach are currently contacting clients to encourage them to take up offer of emergency accommodation.

The SWEP response is used by many local authorities when there is a forecast of zero degrees or below zero, for three consecutive nights.

Severe Weather Emergency Provision in Somerset has two aims:

  1. To ensure that no one dies on the streets due to severe weather.
  2. To ensure that every effort is made to engage individuals with support.

This provision is for people sleeping rough in Somerset only.

Messages are being shared on the Council’s website and with relevant stakeholders.

Learn more here: www.somerset.gov.uk/swep.

Warning for icy conditions from 10pm on Thursday 30 November into Friday 1 December

A yellow ice warning has been issued for the South West and is in effect between 10:00pm on Thursday 30 November and 10:00am on Friday 1 December 2023.

Ice may make for hazardous conditions, mainly on untreated surfaces.

What to expect:

  • Some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, leading to an increased chance of accidents or injuries
  • Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services
  • Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces

UK weather warnings – Met Office

Civil Contingencies Unit