Saturday 24 February 2018
Snow and icy conditions are likely on the way, so the States of Guernsey has put preparations in place in the event normal services are disrupted.
Traffic
Guernsey Police will continuously assess road safety conditions and will regularly issue information to local media. Advice is likely to focus on road conditions and may suggest that only essential journeys should be considered.
Traffic and Highway Services is responsible for looking after the island's roads and, during times of snowfall, works closely with States Works which carries out the gritting of priority arterial roads only. A map outlining the gritting plan and other useful advice can be found at www.gov.gg/snow.
Whenever this operation is carried out please keep your distance and your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated by staff.
Due to the risk of contaminating the island's water supply, rock salt (which is used in the UK) is generally not used as the majority of the island is within the water catchment area.
Salt based products must not under any circumstances be used on a property without the written authority of Guernsey Water. Should individuals or companies require their own small stock of de-icer, Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) is available from States Works.
Schools
Education Services has made specific arrangements for the assessment, management and operation of each of its schools in severe weather conditions. CMA will be applied to snow or ice as required to provide safe access to and from school buildings.
While every effort will be made to open all accessible schools, there may be some which cannot open due to unsafe access, issues with the facilities (e.g. burst water pipes or heating system failures) or insufficient staffing levels.
A decision about schools will be conveyed via the media by 7.15am.
It is expected that parents use their discretion to keep a child at home if they believe that conditions make it unsafe for the student to attempt to reach school.
When severe weather conditions arise during the school day, announcements will be made as soon as decisions are taken.
The grant-aided colleges will make their own decisions whether to open or not based on their respective operational circumstances and will advise the media accordingly.
The Emergency Services
The emergency services have put in place arrangements so that they will be able to continue to carry out their duties.
Health and Social Care
Health and Social Care has its own transport arrangements for staff during wintry conditions, thereby ensuring that the majority of its services continue to function. St John Ambulance and Recue Service will assist with the provision of transport for essential patients.
Airport
Snowfall significant enough to disrupt airport operations is a rare occurrence in Guernsey, therefore the provision of extensive snow clearing equipment on-island does not represent value for money.
However, within the constraints of available resources, Guernsey Airport will make every effort to plan for and deal with snow and ice contamination. Snow and ice on the airport can inevitably introduce potential hazards to aircraft operations and to apron activities.
In prolonged or severe snowfall, airport disruption can last for over 24 hours. While Guernsey Airport makes every reasonable effort to clear snow and ice from airside areas, it is a lengthy process. In severe weather, it could also be the case that destination airports are themselves suffering delays.
Keeping the public informed
Services across the States of Guernsey will look to provide regular updates for the community, through the media, gov.gg and social media. Islanders are encouraged to follow the States of Guernsey and Guernsey Police Twitter and Facebook pages, for regular updates in the event of severe weather.
Information about action plans for all services across the States of Guernsey can be found at gov.gg/snow.
