Tips for keeping healthy in the cold weather due this weekend
Published: 21/03/2019
Cold weather alert issued for this weekend means increased health risks to vulnerable people
The Met Office has issued a Level 2 Cold Weather Alert (Yellow – Alert and readiness). There is an 80% probability of severe cold weather between 06:00 on Friday 18th January and 06:00 on Monday 21st January. There is an increased risk that the temperature threshold (average temp of 2C or less for at least 48 hours) will be met by early next week. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable people
Impact
- Increased health risks to vulnerable people.
- Increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, lung illnesses, influenza and other diseases.
- Some groups are particularly susceptible to the effects of very cold weather such as older people, the very young and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
Top tips for keeping well
- Make sure your family and friends check up on you regularly
- Keep warm – keep the room you are in heated to at least 18 deg C (65 deg F)
- Get financial support. You may be able to get the winter fuel payment
- Look after yourself – get the flu jab
- Get treated straight away for any minor ailments before they get worse
- Layer your clothing indoors and outdoors, and wear a scarf
- Wear good shoes when outdoors
- Don’t sit for lengthy periods, get up and walk about, stretch and have a warm drink
- Get your heating and cooking appliances regularly serviced and checked
- Check with your water and power provider to see if you can be on their priority services register
For more information
- Met Office Cold Weather Alert
- Public Health England National Cold Weather Plan
- NHS Keep Warm Keep Well leaflet
- WSCC Dealing with extreme weather
- WSCC Preparing for emergencies
- WSCC Report a road and footway issue
- WSCC Safer Seasons: Winter
