Safe In Your Place – Winter Safety In the Home
January 2024
With the cold weather well and truly here it is really important to stay safe during the winter months. Here are some tips to help you during the winter season.
Can cold weather be bad for your health?
While exposure to cold weather can affect anyone, some people are particularly at risk, including people aged over 65, those with long-term health conditions, people at risk of falls, and those who are housebound.
Tips to keep your house warm
The government suggest the following to keep your house warm:
- Try to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as the living room or bedroom, to at least 18°C
- Keep the heating on/circulating during the winter months to prevent frozen pipes
- Try to reduce draughts; you can fit draft excluders around doors cheaply
- Keep your bedroom windows closed at night
- Wear several layers of thinner clothing; this could keep you warmer than one thicker layer
Do Not Use portable gas heaters in your home, they are a fire hazard and can cause death from the build-up of carbon monoxide build up, especially in poorly ventilated rooms!
Looking after yourself during the winter weather
Consider a flu vaccination every year – more information can be found on the NHS website
Visit the pharmacy or GP surgery if you are feeling unwell during the winter months.
When you are indoors, there are things you can do that will help to keep you warm and reduce the risk of developing medical problems, for example:
- Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so
- If you find it difficult to move about, stretching your arms and legs can also help keep you warm
- If you have visitors, it can help stop the spread of germs to ventilate the room for a few minutes before and after they arrive; you might be more comfortable leaving the window open during their visit, if it’s not too cold
Wear shoes with good grip to avoid slips and falls on slippery or icy surfaces.
Regularly check the weather and make plans if a storm or weather warning is issued e.g. medication and food supplies.
Financial Help
The government provides advice to help manage energy bills. There are support measures in place to help with the cost of living, especially for those on low incomes. The government has also published energy saving tips to help save money on bills.
Our Welfare & Benefits Team can assist you with any questions you many have about benefits or financial support you may be entitled to. You can contact the team by email to welfare@housingsolutions.co.uk or by contacting our Customer Service Team on 01628 543101
Finally
Keep in touch with family and friends during the winter and report any issues with the property to Housing Solutions by using the app, by email to contact@housingsolutions.co.uk or by calling us on 01628 543101
