Look out for your neighbours during cold spell

With further wintery weather forecasts the Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising everyone to look after themselves and their neighbours during the cold snap.

Vulnerable and elderly people can find it difficult to get out to the shops or to keep their house adequately heated during the cold weather. The PHA is encouraging everyone to look out for those who may be more vulnerable during severe weather and check that they are ok.

The following advice can help you or a neighbour keep warm at home:
• the best way to keep warm is by wearing multi-layers of clothing and to wear a hat and gloves, even indoors;
• heat your main living room to around 18-21ºC (64-70ºF) and the rest of the house to at least 16ºC (61ºF);
• heat all the rooms you use in the day;
• if you can’t heat all your rooms, make sure that you keep your living room warm throughout the day;
• It is important to make sure your heating is safe and that your house is properly ventilated, to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you have electric setting for your heating:
• set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed;
• in very cold weather set the heating to come on earlier, rather than turn the thermostat up, so you won’t be cold while you wait for your home to heat up.
If you use an electric blanket:
• never use an electric blanket and hot water bottle together as you could electrocute yourself; and
• if you have an electric blanket, check what type it is – some are designed only to warm the bed before you get in and should not be used throughout the night.

You can help keep warm by:
• wearing plenty of thin layers, rather than one thick one;
• putting on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots when you go outside;
• wearing clothes made of wool, cotton, or fleecy synthetic fibers;
• wearing bed socks and thermal underwear at night.

Eat Well – Food is a source of energy which helps to keep your body warm. Try and make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day.

Who to contact if you need further help

If you are worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your local council. There is also help and support from the charity age NI. Its website has information on how to stay warm in winter which contains useful contact numbers and advice. http://www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland/

As in previous years, the PHA has been working with partners in local councils and the community and voluntary sector to provide access to Keep Warm packs for those who are most vulnerable. This year an additional 3,000 such packs have been made available which aim to provide particular support to older people, young families and homeless people.

Severe weather warnings

The Met Office's severe weather warning page provides up-to-date information about weather that is likely to cause disruption.
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/#?tab=map

If you are considering embarking on a journey during bad weather, you should consult the Met Office for travel conditions. If you must drive during severe weather, make sure you are prepared for bad weather conditions.