Keeping warm in winter
More people get ill in winter and the number of deaths rises. There is a direct link between cold weather and the higher death rate, especially amongst older people and others in at-risk groups. However, winter needn't be dangerous if you take the right steps - please see below for important advice on preventing problems and spotting hypothermia.
Benefits and grants to help you keep warm
There are a number of benefits, such as the winter fuel payment and the cold weather payment, which you may be entitled to help you keep warm:
If you own your own home or rent it from a private landlord, are on certain benefits, you may also be eligible for a Warm Front grant of up to £3,500. To find out more, ring 0800 316 2805 or visit www.warmfront.co.uk.
Preventing problems
It is important to prevent people from becoming cold in the first place. Please look out for those in your community who might be at risk from the cold and help them keep warm - prevention is always better than cure.
Looking out for trouble
If someone has become ill or had an accident due to the cold weather, they may not be able to attract attention of neighbours, passers-by or people who call at the door. Always be on the look-out for signs that something might be wrong, especially when the weather is cold.
There are many signs to look out for:
- milk not taken in
- newspapers stuck in the letterbox
- curtains drawn during the day
- lights on during the day
- homes in darkness when there should be someone at home
- a dog barking all day or a cat scratching to be let in.
Spotting hypothermia
Hypothermia is a lowered deep-core body temperature of 35C/95F or below. It is the lowered temperature of the organs inside the body which is important - an ordinary thermometer cannot measure this. You may not actually feel cold but if you sit in a cold room and do little or nothing to keep warm, you may run the risk of becoming hypothermic or becoming ill with bronchitis or pneumonia. Both are cold-related illnesses.
Watch out for the danger signs!
- drowsiness
- very cold skin on parts of the body normally covered, for example the stomach or armpits
- slurred speech
- absence of complaint about feeling cold, even in a bitterly cold room
If you are in doubt
If you are worried about somebody and think they may be suffering from hypothermia,
- call a doctor or nurse
- move the person into warmer surroundings if possible
- wrap the person in a light layer of blankets or a duvet to avoid further loss of body heat.
- give them warm, nourishing drinks
- do not subject the person to any sudden extreme change of temperature - so do not put them next to a fire or give them hot water bottles or heavy layers of clothes or blankets.
- do not give them alcohol, as it will stimulate further heat loss through the skin.
Advice on reducing bills
If you want to find out how you can save up to £300 on their household bills this winter, you can do a home energy check online using the Energy Saving Trust website. Alternatively, call 0800 512 012.
Page updated: 13 Jan 2011
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