POLICE are advising people to be prepared for the wintry conditions forecast for today.

Met Office reports suggest there could be up to two centimetres of snowfall in the News Shopper area and have issued a severe weather warning.

Kent Police has issued a list of precautions people can take to stay safe in any adverse weather conditions.

  • People who are travelling should plan their journey, check their intended route for delays and check out the latest weather information.
  • Be careful when driving - slow down in wintry conditions and keep well within designated speed limits.
  • Keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Steer gently and avoid sudden braking, acceleration and sharp turns.
  • Allow extra room to slow down and stop.
  • Take care around gritters and snowploughs clearing snow.
  • If you do drive, make sure you have warm clothing in the vehicle, boots, a shovel and torch. For long journeys also take food and water.
  • Allow extra time for your journey and ensure that you let someone know when you are setting off and when you are due to arrive.
  • Check your fuel, lights, tyres, engine fluids, wipers and screen wash before your journey.
  • Before you set off, make sure that windows, mirrors and headlights are clean and clear of snow. Also remove snow from car roofs and bonnets as snow can fall in a lump or fly back into the vehicle behind, particularly in already difficult driving conditions.
  • In the event of a power cut, people are reminded to have a stock of torches, candles and matches. But rememberto keep candles away from children and pets and away from draughts and anything that could easily catch fire, for example furniture, curtains or newspapers. Also, make sure they are secure in a heat resistant holder so they can't fall over.
  • People are also advised to keep a battery radio and to keep mobile phones charged. During a power cut avoid opening fridge or freezer doors to help prevent food spoiling.
  • Check on elderly relatives and neighbours whenever possible to ensure they have enough food and are warm.

You can get further information on the snow warning from Kent County Council kent.gov.uk You can get more on weather conditions from the Met Office website metoffice.gov.uk For more information on road conditions try the Highways Agency website highways.gov.uk or call the Highways Agency Information Line 0845 750 4030.