Look out for your neighbours during cold spell

Vulnerable and elderly people can find it difficult to get out to the shops or to keep their house adequately heated during the cold weather. The PHA is encouraging everyone to look out for those who may be more vulnerable during severe weather and check that they are ok.

The following advice can help you or a neighbour keep warm at home:

• the best way to keep warm is by wearing multi-layers of clothing and to wear a hat and gloves, even indoors;

• heat your main living room to around 18-21ºC (64-70ºF) and the rest of the house to at least 16ºC (61ºF);

• heat all the rooms you use in the day;

• if you can’t heat all your rooms, make sure that you keep your living room warm throughout the day;

• It is important to make sure your heating is safe and that your house is properly ventilated, to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you have electric setting for your heating:

• set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed;

• in very cold weather set the heating to come on earlier, rather than turn the thermostat up, so you won’t be cold while you wait for your home to heat up.

If you use an electric blanket:

• never use an electric blanket and hot water bottle together as you could electrocute yourself; and

• if you have an electric blanket, check what type it is – some are designed only to warm the bed before you get in and should not be used throughout the night.

You can help keep warm by:

• wearing plenty of thin layers, rather than one thick one;

• putting on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots when you go outside;

• wearing clothes made of wool, cotton, or fleecy synthetic fibers;

• wearing bed socks and thermal underwear at night.

Eat Well – Food is a source of energy which helps to keep your body warm. Try and make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day.