Derbyshire 4x4 Response Gears Up for Winter Operations

As the colder months approach, Derbyshire 4x4 Response is preparing to provide essential support to our communities and partner agencies throughout the winter season. Our volunteers are already hard at work ensuring both their vehicles and skills are ready for whatever challenges the coming months may bring.

Training and Preparedness

In readiness for adverse weather, our responders are undertaking adverse weather driving refreshers, alongside communications and controller training to ensure coordination and safety during operations. Our welfare team is also being updated with winter-specific information to help maintain the wellbeing of responders during prolonged or challenging deployments.

Vehicle and Equipment Checks

All response vehicles are being fully inspected and winterised, with tyres, recovery gear, radios, and lighting receiving particular attention. New or replacement equipment is being tagged and added to our asset management system, ensuring everything is accounted for and service-ready when needed.

We also encourage members of the public to take time to check their own vehicles before winter sets in — ensuring tyres are in good condition, antifreeze levels are correct, and that vehicles carry basic winter kits such as warm clothing, a torch, blanket, shovel, and snacks in case of delays or emergencies.

Operational Readiness

Derbyshire 4x4 Response remains ready to assist with a wide range of potential winter callouts, including flood response, snow transport, and welfare support. A new list of trained controllers is being compiled to improve operational coverage and reduce the strain experienced last year, when a limited number of controllers meant some operated for up to 48 hours at a time. This year, with more trained personnel available, we will be better able to share the workload while maintaining our 24/7 response capability.

Dedicated Volunteers and Team Growth

The commitment of our volunteers remains the backbone of our organisation. Their dedication, professionalism, and willingness to serve — often in difficult conditions — are what make Derbyshire 4x4 Response such a trusted partner to the emergency services and the public alike. We are also pleased to welcome new joiners to the team, strengthening our capability and ensuring we remain ready for the challenges ahead.

Here When Needed

Derbyshire 4x4 Response does not go on formal standby unless an emergency arises, but our volunteers remain available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to respond whenever we are called upon.

To all our partner agencies and community organisations, we extend a clear message — we are here, prepared, and ready to assist whenever needed.

Mike Whittingham

Chairman,

Derbyshire 4x4 Response