We’d like to help you stay safe and warm in the extreme weather. Here are our top tips –
Keep in touch
Look out for yourself & others to help avoid getting caught out on the cold, listen to the weather so you understand what’s expected, plan ahead to avoid the coldest part of the day & avoid slippy icy areas. Wearing good warm shoes with grippy soles can help. Make sure someone knows where you are going, and when you will return, in case you are not back when expected they can raise the alarm.
Keep Well
Make sure you have everything you need in case the bad weather delays deliveries or prevents you picking up your shopping. Check you’ve got enough medication and food so you are not forced to try and get them when it’s harder to leave the house. Keep a bottle of water handy in case water supply is interrupted. Even if only for a few hours you may be glad of a cup of tea!
Keep Warm
Close windows & curtains to trap the warmth inside – draft excluders can help eliminate little cold blasts from cooler rooms (a rolled up towel will do the trick if you don’t have one) and check window frames for leaks. Use blankets when you are sitting or lying. Hot water bottles are really helpful for keeping your core temperature up – pop a little bit more water in the kettle and keep it topped up (Make sure to check your hottie hasn’t perished before you use it!) and of course layers of clothes will help to keep warm. Try to keep the room you are in at 18 degrees or above as this will keep you most healthy – much cooler and it begins to put a strain on your system. Switch off radiators in little use rooms to save some money. Switch your bedroom heater on an hour or so before bed and off in the day for example.
Eat Well
Try to cook nutritious foods and drink plenty of warm drinks. Your body needs more energy in cold weather – high energy foods like porridge, beans, sweet potatoes, eggs, peanut butter, oily fish and meats are great sources of energy and can warm you as you digest. Soups, stews, curries and casseroles can be made in a slow cooker which is much cheaper to run than a traditional oven. Make loads and reheated as needed.
You will find some amazing recipes for budget cooking online.
Ask For Help
The cold weather can be dangerous. Neighbours can help pick up shopping or medication to save you having to venture out. Some pharmacies will deliver to your door – you can also look at supermarket food deliveries.
Speak to your energy provider if you are in financial difficulty – they will be able to help and take some of the pressure off.
Use your Astraline alarm if you need assistance or call 999 in an emergency.
The NHS website is full of great information and advice.