SOUTH Central Ambulance Service says demand for its services is on the increase and it would like to encourage people to plan for the festive season and help its busy staff by being prepared.

Its three-step winter guidance reminds people to Be Aware, Be prepared and Be neighbourly’.

It wants people to check that their house name or number is clearly visible from the road both day and night, removing any blockages such as plants and trees, and if you are expecting an ambulance, switch on an outside light if possible to help alert paramedics to your location.

l At home the advice is: keep warm Try to keep your home warm and use hot water bottles or an electric blanket to keep yourself warm if you need to. Remember to eat well and make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly.

Stock up on foods with long shelf lives such as tinned goods, pasta and pulses if you don’t think you will be able to get out. Keep active in the home by moving around regularly and wrap up inside and out of the home. Wear layers and make sure if you are going out to wear appropriate footwear with a sturdy grip, especially during snow and ice.

l Your vehicle – make sure that your headlights are clean and working and that your wipers and screen wash are functioning properly. You should also check your battery and coolant/anti-freeze levels.

A quick check of your tyres is also a good idea to ensure you have appropriate levels of tread and take some warm clothes and a blanket in case you are stationary for long spells in the cold. Before you start your journey no matter the distance, make sure you have enough petrol.

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) provides emergency care for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire – an area that covers approximately 3,554 square miles and has a resident population of over four million people.