Cold weather can be dangerous and bad for our health. Below is some advice on how to keep warm as the weather starts to turn colder.
Keep warm
- Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F). You may prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer. Keep your bedroom window closed on a winter’s night. Breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections.
- Layer your clothing whether you are indoors or outside. Wrap a scarf around your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air
- When you’re indoors, try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. Get up, stretch your legs and make yourself a warm drink.
Get financial support
There are grants, benefits, and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. Visit Ofgem’s website for more information.
Free flu jab
Contact your GP to get your free flu jab if you are aged 65 or over, live in a residential or nursing home, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person. NHS Choices provides information about flu. Visit the NHS website to learn more.
Appliances and utilities
- Have your heating and cooking appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure they are operating safely.
- Contact your water and power suppliers to see if you can be on the Priority Services Register, a service for older and disabled people.
