Those living across Humber and North Yorkshire are being urged to keep warm and look out for friends, family and neighbours who might be vulnerable to the cold weather after the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency issued a Yellow Cold-health alert this week. Low temperatures and overnight frosts are forecast until Saturday across Humber and North Yorkshire.
Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk. Keeping warm can help prevent colds, flu, and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, and depression.
There are some simple steps you can follow to stay well during the low temperatures:
- Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F). You might prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer.
- Keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights. Breathing cold air can be bad for your health as it increases the risk of chest infections.
- Keep active when you’re indoors. Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so.
- Wear several layers of light clothes. Several layers trap warm air better than one bulky layer.
- Food is a vital source of energy and helps to keep your body
warm so have plenty of hot food and drinks. - Keeping well will allow you to do more and keep your independence. Being cold isn’t just uncomfortable it can be bad for your health. Sitting or sleeping in a cold room is not good for you and increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke and breathing problems.
- Don’t let the cold catch you out, check the weather forecast and be ready for cold weather.
- Wear shoes with a good grip to prevent slips and falls.
- Make sure you have spare medication in case you are unable to go out.
You can find lots more information and helpful tips to help you stay warm this winter, including local information for your area.
It is important anyone struggling to heat their homes ensure they get all the help they are entitled to. Grants, benefits and advice are available to make homes more energy efficient, improve heating or help with bills. You can find out more ways to save energy in your home from GOV.UK, or call the government helpline on 0800 444 202.
Find out more from GOV.UK about benefits and financial support for those on a low income.