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With winter approaching and temperatures dipping, it’s important that you’re prepared and know how to keep warm, safe and well.
Here are the ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of cold weather:-
- Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you.
- Look out for others as temperature drops. Older people, young children and those with certain long-term health conditions may be particularly at risk.
- Check the weather forecast and the news.
- Make sure you have sufficient food and medicine.
- Take simple measures to reduce draughts at home. You can fit draft excluders around doors cheaply and insulate water pipes to prevent them from freezing.
- Exercising – try not to sit still for more than an hour or so, but if you find it difficult to move about, stretching your arms and legs can also keep you warm.
- Heat rooms you spend most time in, to 18˚C if you can.
- Keep bedroom windows closed.
- Wear multiple layers of thinner clothing.
- If you’re eligible, get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19.
- Get help if needed. Call NHS 111 or in an emergency 999