Cold weather advice and keeping vulnerable in mind

It’s important to keep warm to stay as healthy as possible during the colder winter months. If you have an elderly or vulnerable friend or neighbour, look out for them to make sure they are safe, warm and well.
By Nichola Neill
Published 29th Dec 2014, 12:20 BST

There are a few easy precautions you can take to keep you and your loved ones safe during a spell of particularly cold weather:

check the weather forecast regularly and ensure you have enough food and medicines in stock

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wearing the right kind of clothes can help keep you much warmer. Layers are best, t-shirts and under clothes to keep the base of your back warm will heat you from the core

if outdoors, take care of potentially icy roads and pavements and wrap up well, wearing boots with good grip, a scarf, gloves and a hat

a balanced diet will help keep you warm and healthy in the winter. Make sure you eat at least one hot meal a day

get your boiler and appliances serviced annually by a registered engineer to help protect from the dangers of carbon monoxide

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heat all the rooms you use in the day. Heat your main living room to around 18 to 21°C (65 to 70°F) and the rest of your house to at least 16°C (61°F)

if you can’t heat all your rooms, make sure you keep your living room warm throughout the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed

maintain contact with trusted callers, friends and relatives should you need assistance. Remember to keep your mobile charged and at the ready for use