Cold weather, snow and ice: keeping your household warm and well

Who is most affected by cold

Anyone can become unwell in the cold, but Be Ready lists the people most at risk as including older adults, babies and young children, pregnant people, people with heart, lung or mental health conditions, people with learning disabilities, people at risk of falls, people who live alone or are housebound, and people who are homeless. If that includes you or someone you look after, it is worth doing the steps below before winter.

The UK Health Security Agency issues cold weather-health alerts for England, alongside the Met Office’s weather warnings for snow and ice.

Before winter

• Get your boiler and gas appliances serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm that meets EN 50291 (look for the BSI Kitemark) in rooms with a boiler, fire or stove that burns fuel. Test it regularly, following the instructions.
• Check your medicines. Make sure you have enough in case it is hard to get out, and think about who could collect a prescription for you. Your pharmacist can help you plan.
• Ask about winter vaccinations. Your GP or pharmacist can tell you which ones you are eligible for.
• Join the Priority Services Register with your energy network and water company if you are eligible.
• Deal with damp and mould, which can affect health. The NHS has advice on damp and mould.
• Lag pipes in lofts and outbuildings, and know where your stop tap is in case a pipe freezes and bursts.
• Prepare the car: a blanket, a torch, a phone charger, a snack and water in the boot.

During a cold spell

• Heat the rooms you use most, such as the living room and bedroom, to at least 18°C if you can.
• Keep windows closed, especially at night, and stop draughts where you can. Close curtains at dusk.
• Wear several thin layers, and a hat and scarf outdoors. Shoes with good grip help prevent falls on ice.
• Keep active indoors. Even moving around for a few minutes each hour helps.
• Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day.
• Check in on family, friends and neighbours who may be more at risk. If you are worried about someone’s health, contact their pharmacist, GP or NHS 111.

Hypothermia: the signs

Hypothermia is when the body gets dangerously cold. It happens when body temperature drops below 35°C. The NHS lists symptoms including shivering, pale, cold and dry skin (lips may turn blue or grey), slurred speech, slow breathing, and tiredness or confusion. A baby with hypothermia may be cold to touch, floppy, unusually quiet and sleepy, and may refuse to feed.

Heating safely, especially in a power cut

Most central heating stops working when the power goes off. It is tempting to bring other heat sources indoors. Please don’t:

• Use a torch for light, not candles.
• Keep portable heaters away from curtains, bedding and furniture, and never dry clothes on them.
• Only use open fires and wood burners that have been installed properly and have a swept chimney.
• If you use an electric blanket, check it is in good condition and follow the instructions.

Help with heating costs

If heating your home is a struggle, you are not alone. GOV.UK lists the help with the cost of living available, and your energy supplier must discuss ways to help if you are in difficulty. Older people can call the Age UK Advice Line free on 0800 169 6565.