Keeping warm and well
Staying warm in winter is one of the best ways to protect your health, helping prevent colds, flu, and serious conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and pneumonia. Here are some simple steps:
- Heat your home safely: Keep main rooms at 18°C, close bedroom windows at night, fit smoke alarms on every level and a carbon monoxide alarm where fuel is burned.
- Use oil-filled heaters instead of exposed-element heaters, and have chimneys professionally swept.
- Dress in layers: Several thin layers keep you warmer than one thick layer.
- Stay active indoors: Move around or stretch regularly to maintain body heat.
- Plan ahead: Stock up on food and medication before bad weather hits.
- Look out for others: Check in on neighbours or relatives who may need extra support.
If you’re struggling to afford heating, government grants, benefits, and cost-of-living support are available to help with bills and improve energy efficiency.
The Met Office may issue National Severe Weather Warnings (for example, snow and ice) with short notice, so you can take appropriate action. Check the Met Office website to see the National Severe Weather Warnings currently in place.
Visit the UK Health Security Agency’s website for more cold weather guidance and Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service for tips on heating your home safely.