Preparing for winter
Preparing for winter
- Make sure you’ve had your flu jab if you qualify
- Get in extra food supplies
- Have blankets available
- Consider purchasing additional heaters if possible
When it gets cold
- Close curtains and shut doors
- Use hot water bottles or electric blankets (but never both together) if the bedroom is cold at night
- Wear extra layers during the day and put socks on in bed
- Try and eat well- aim to have regular hot meals and warm drinks during the day
- Keep moving where possible as this is good for your general health and improves circulation
Keep your home a safe temperature
Temperatures
It is important to keep your home at a safe temperature. Here's a guide:
- 21 degrees: Recommended living room temperature. Please note: If you have babies or small children, you should contact your health worker or GP in relation to the required room temperature, as babies need a slightly lower temperature.
- 18 degrees: Minimum temperature with no health risk. It may still feel cold.
- Under 16 degrees: You might be more at risk of respiratory disease.
- 9-12 degrees: You might be at more risk of raised blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
- 5 degrees: High risk of hypothermia.