Cold weather is harder on health than most people expect. The NHS says keeping warm helps prevent colds, flu and more serious problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. Older adults, babies and young children and people with long-term conditions are among those most at risk (Be Ready).
Keep warm indoors
- Heat the rooms you use most to at least 18°C if you can (NHS, Be Ready).
- Wear several layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer (Be Ready).
- Do what you can to stay active indoors (Be Ready).
- Keep windows closed, particularly at night, and reduce draughts (Be Ready).
- Check on older neighbours and relatives, and make sure they have food and medicines in before a cold spell.
Safe heating in a power cut
- Never use a barbecue, camping stove or generator indoors, or in a garage attached to the house. They can cause carbon monoxide to build up, and you cannot see or smell it (NHS).
- Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm (Be Ready advises one that meets BS Kitemark or EN 50291). Headaches, dizziness and feeling sick can be signs of carbon monoxide poisoning (NHS).
- Blankets, sleeping bags, hot water bottles and gathering in one room keep people warm without power. See power cut kit.
Pipes and boilers
These are common-sense household tips rather than official guidance.
- Know where your stopcock is and check it turns. Write it in your household plan.
- Lag pipes and the water tank in the loft and any outside walls.
- If you go away, leave the heating on low.
- If a pipe bursts: turn off the water at the stopcock, switch off electrics if water is near them, and open the cold taps to drain the system.
- A frozen condensate pipe is a common reason for a boiler to stop. Your boiler maker usually explains how to thaw it safely with warm (not boiling) water.
Hypothermia
Signs include shivering, pale and cold skin, slurred speech, slow breathing and confusion or tiredness (NHS). The NHS says to go to A&E or call 999 if you think someone has hypothermia. While you wait, move them indoors, remove wet clothing, wrap them in a blanket or sleeping bag with their head covered, and give a warm non-alcoholic drink if they are fully awake. Do not use a hot bath or hot water bottle, or rub their limbs.
Snow and ice on the roads
- Only travel if you need to. The Highway Code says stopping distances can be ten times greater in icy and snowy weather than on dry roads.
- Clear all snow and ice from windows, lights and number plates before you set off (Highway Code).
- Keep a winter car kit in the boot and plenty of fuel or charge.
Help with costs
If you get certain benefits you may get a Cold Weather Payment automatically when your area has a very cold spell. Ask your energy supplier about the Priority Services Register and help if you are struggling to pay.