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A level three cold weather alert has been issued for Kent - sparking calls from experts for people to "wrap up warm" and drink hot drinks.
The Met Office says there is an 90% probability of severe cold weather conditions in Kent up until 3pm today - with a severe weather warning for ice in place until 10am.
A level three warning requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups.
Vulnerable people, including the elderly and children under five, are particularly at risk from cold weather.
Graham Gibbens, KCC Cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “We appreciate that most people will be able to look after themselves but some members of the community need help.
"Basic advice can help everyone prepare, such as being ready to stay indoors, making sure there is enough food and medicine at home and ordering repeat prescriptions in plenty of time.
"Having a family member, friend or neighbour who can help out can be vital in cold weather – helping with anything from putting the bin out to collecting a prescription or doing some grocery shopping.
Video: Catch up with the weather for tonight and tomorrow from the KMTV team
"Please be a good neighbour and rally round, take time to care for yourself, your family and others.”
Andrew Scott-Clark, KCC Director of Public Health, said: “Exposure to the cold increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks – even a short time in the cold, outdoors or indoors, can have a lasting effect.
"People should wrap up warm to protect themselves and help those who may have difficulty following the basic advice.”
The Met office is prediction temperatures could plummet to anything from -1C to -4C tonight.
KCC are offering the following advice:
At home:
If you need to go out:
More information is available about how to keep yourself and others safe during cold weather through www.kent.gov.uk/winterhealth and www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth.
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/.