Keeping warm in winter

Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health problems like pneumonia. Find out some simple ways you can do to keep warm, stay healthy and make the best use of your heating at home.

What you should do

• keep warm indoors. Your main living room should be between around 18-21C (64-70F) and the rest of the house at a minimum of 16C (61F). You can also use a hot-water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm while you're in bed. Have regular hot drinks and soups
• wrap up warm. Several thin layers of clothes are better than one thick layer, as warmth from your body is trapped between layers. Always wear hats, gloves and scarves. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or breathing problems
• keep active. Move around at least once every hour and avoid sitting down for long periods of time. Even light exercise will help keep you warm
• get your flu jabs. If you are over 65, or have longstanding health problems make sure you get a flu jab every year to protect you from flu. You should also have the pneumococcal jab, which is given once and protects you against infections caused by the pneumococcus bug such as pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia
• check on others. Older people are most at risk when it is cold and are often unaware of just how much the temperature drops inside their home. Check they are warm, especially in the night and have plenty of food and medication so they do not have to go out during the very cold weather.

Icy conditions

Icy pavements and roads can be very slippery. Take extra care if you go out and wear boots or shoes with good grip on the soles. The Met Office advises putting grit or cat litter on paths and driveways to minimise the risk of slipping. You should also wait until the roads have been gritted if you are travelling by car. The Highways Agency offers useful advice on travelling in snow and freezing conditions. 

Bear in mind that black ice on pavements or roads might not be clearly visible, and that compacted snow may turn to ice and become slippery.

Where you can get more help

• NHS Direct if you are feeling unwell or need immediate advice
• contact your GP for a free flu jab or pneumococcal jab if you are over 65 or have a long-standing health problem
• from our Private Sector Housing team if you are struggling financially to keep your home warm, you could get a grant to make your home more energy efficient, or repair or install a new heating system. Call them to find out more. 
• Winter Fuel Payment Helpline. This is an annual lump sum payment towards the cost of your heating bills if you are over the pension credit age. You may receive up to £300 depending on your age.  For more information call them using the contact details on right.
• Home Heat Helpline. This is a free helpline that offers information on keeping warm, using energy efficiently, cheaper payment schemes and grants for insulting your home. Call them for advice using the contact details on right. 
• Handyperson Scheme. Age UK Barnet offer small household repairs like fitting draught excluders for older people in the borough. Call 020 8359 7462 to find out more.
• check the Met Office weather forecast for any cold weather health warnings.