Basingstoke Karate in Snow,

As of 11:30 on Monday 21st January, all classes are back to normal. If we get major snow later or tomorrow, then we will update both our website and also our Facebook page  www.facebook.com/pages/Shin-Gi-Tai-Martial-Arts-Academy/112582666226 with any changes to this.

 

 

Stay warm and stay safe.

 

Some information on snow safety from ITV.com 

Even a light snowfall, when coupled with below zero temperatures, can deposit sheet ice on road surfaces, resulting in roads like ice rinks. Snow and ice make road conditions extremely hazardous, so drivers are advised to stay home in the warm rather than risk driving unless their journey is absolutely essential. If you do have to drive, follow this advice:

– Allow plenty of extra time for your journey and drive carefully and steadily.

– Remember to allow extra space when manoeuvring your vehicle in slippery conditions.

– Ensure your windscreen, rear screen and mirrors are clear and give other drivers plenty of room as well.

– Keep an emergency kit of warm clothes, a shovel, food and drink, and a fully charged mobile phone in the car in case you get stuck in the snow.

– Don’t try and drive through flood water – you have no idea what debris may be underneath it.

 

If you fancy a walk in the fresh air, stay away from frozen water (e.g. ponds and lakes) and to emphasise the dangers to children and young people. While the ice may appear to be safe, it is often much thinner than it looks and it is very easy for people to get into difficulties. Dog walkers who attempt to save their pets are also putting their own lives at risk: if the ice isn’t strong enough to support the weight of a dog, it will not support your weight either.

 

Driving Conditions in Hampshire

Hampshire County Council says it’s salt barns are full with enough salt for 15 days of continuous, round-the-clock salting. Three thousand community salt bins have salt for people to spread on public roads and pavements, and around 100 farmers are on standby to assist with clearing roads of snow using snow ploughs if needed. As always during the winter season, salting lorries are ready to salt Priority 1 routes – roads that carry 85% of the county’s traffic – when temperatures are set to fall to zero or below. Other routes, including community routes to local primary schools, doctors surgeries and local shops will also be treated.

People are being warned that the ground is still saturated due to the significant amount of rain we have had during the winter season so far. Water run-off from fields and high ground has the potential to wash away the salt being spread by the salting lorries, so it is possible that rural roads could ice over when the temperatures drop. To minimise this, salt wicks (porous bags filled with salt) have been placed at known locations along the highway to maintain a salinity level in the flowing water to try and help prevent it from freezing on the road surface. Councillor Kendal, added: “If you have to travel, please follow advice on driving safely and check your local radio for news about the situation regarding public transport and traffic on the roads. Tread carefully if you are walking as it is likely to be slippery underfoot and cyclists are also asked to take extra care. It is advisable to leave extra time for your journey, if it cannot be postponed, and to ensure you’re prepared with warm clothing, a warm drink and snacks, a charged mobile phone – with your breakdown emergency number in your contacts – and plenty of fuel.”