Met Office

Health and well being

There are some practical steps that you can make to help keep you warm and healthy throughout the winter months:

health image
  1. Get your free flu jab. If you are aged 65 or over, pregnant, have certain medical conditions, live in a residential or nursing home, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person.
  2. Keep warm by setting your heating to the right temperature (18-21°C 65-70°F), you can keep your home warm and your bills as low as possible.
  3. Look after yourself and check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they are safe, warm and well. Layer your clothing to stay warm and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside
  4. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can.
  5. Get your home ready for winter. Get heating and cooking appliances checked, flues and chimneys swept ensuring ventilation points are not blocked.  If you use heating oil, LPG or wood products as the main heating source, make sure that you have a sufficient supply to avoid running. Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm which is EN50291 compliant, but fitting an alarm should not replace regular maintenance of appliances.
  6. Good hand hygiene can help prevent the spread of norovirus
  7. Learn a few simple first aid steps; such as how to deal with strains and sprains or broken bones, as trips and falls can increase in icy weather. There are a number of accredited first aid providers and useful education resources available. 
  8. Check the forecast and ensure you have enough food and medicines.

 

  • lady by fire

    Get ready for winter

    Get ready for winter web pages contain information and useful links to supporting websites.

  • Community

    Communities

    There are practical steps you can take to support your community in preparing for winter weather.

  • Get ready houses in winter

    Protecting your home

    There are certain practical steps that you can take to protect your home from winter weather.

  • Get ready out and about

    Out and about

    Preparations and precautions when travelling in winter.

To find out about partner activity and for more detailed advice, please visit the following websites:

The British Red Cross

British Red Cross British Red Cross The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies.

We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them to recover and move on with their lives.  Visit the British Red Cross website to find out more about the work they do and how you can prepare for winter.

The Salvation Army

the salvation army the salvation army The Salvation Army is a worldwide Christian church and registered charity offering practical help to people of all ages and backgrounds. Visit the Salvation Army website..

Rotary International

Rotary International Rotary International Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland are working with communities in the UK and overseas helping to improve the lives of others. Visit the Rotary International website.

St John Ambulance

St John Ambulance St John Ambulance St John Ambulance are dedicated to the teaching and practice of first aid. For more information about the St John Ambulance service visit their website.

WRVS

WRVS WRVS WRVS is an age positive charity which delivers personal and practical support to help older people. To find out more  WRVS. 

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