Take extra precautions to keep warm and well this winter

The Met Office is predicting that the current cold spell will continue and cold weather warnings are in place across the country. The Department of Health is urging people in all areas of the country to protect themselves against the risks faced during this period of cold weather.

This is particularly important for older people, families with young children and people with disabilities or long-term health conditions.

People should start preparing now – for themselves and for vulnerable neighbours, family and friends:

- Ensure that you or vulnerable people you know have enough food and medicines in stock, and check that they are able to keep themselves warm.
- Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day – if possible, eating regularly helps to keep energy levels up during winter. Keep as active indoors as possible.
- Wear several light layers of warm clothes, and if you’re going outside wear boots, hats, gloves and scarves. Remember, the roads and pavements may be slippery. Take a mobile phone with you.
- Keep your living room and bedrooms warm - between 18- 21 degrees centigrade - and avoid going outside if possible.

Cold weather is serious and claims lives every year. In particular, it can make heart and respiratory problems worse and threatens those in or approaching fuel poverty who are unable to afford to heat their homes adequately.

Public Health Minister Gillian Merron said:

“Cold weather is especially dangerous for older people or those with serious illnesses.
 
“The Government's 'Keep Warm Keep Well' campaign gives important advice to older people on how to stay fit and healthy through the winter. ‘Keep warm keep well’ leaflets are available online at nhs.uk and in local GP's surgeries, pharmacies or council offices."
 
Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director of Public Health (South East Coast) said:

“Remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk is essential. In particular, they need to keep their home at the right temperature - between 18 and 21 degrees centigrade or 64 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit -, and if they can’t heat all the rooms they use, they should heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before they go to sleep. The elderly, and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable during cold weather.”