During cold weather, it’s important to keep yourself and the people around you warm, safe and well.
Spells of cold weather can put vulnerable people at risk. This includes the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, and young children at risk from a range of conditions. This is because cold weather forces their bodies to work much harder than usual.
Top tips to prepare for cold weather
- Look out for other people – Look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold. Ensure they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately.
- Keep warm – Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C. Particularly if you are not mobile, have a long term illness or are 65 or over. Dress warmly, eat warm food, take warm drinks regularly and keep active.
- Warm and welcoming spaces – Visit one of the dozens of warm and welcoming spaces open to everyone around the borough. This might be your local community centre, church centre or library, where you can keep warm, socialise, meet friends or take part in activities. Find your nearest warm and welcoming space on the Live Well Telford Directory.
- Keep warm when going out – If you must go out, dress warmly and wear non-slip shoes. Tell someone where you are going and when you will get back. Keep your mobile phone (if you have one) on you and charged.
- Keep updated – Stay tuned for weather forecasts and consider the weather when planning your activity over the following days.
- Get help in an emergency – If you are concerned about your own health or that of others, alert emergency services.
- Benefits – Seek entitlements and benefits such as Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments if you are eligible. If you haven’t got a central heating system, you could also be referred for one for free through the Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP), so check if you are eligible. The LEAP can also help eligible households to reduce their energy costs and implement free-of-charge measures, such as fitting energy-saving LED bulbs or heat reflectors.
- Flu jab – Flu can be horrible for young children, the elderly and the vulnerable. Make sure you get vaccinated if you are in an at risk group.
- Stock your medicine cabinet – Keep a fully stocked medicine cabinet with all these essentials.
- Feeling unwell – If you start to feel unwell, even if it is just a cough or cold, don’t wait until it gets more serious. Local pharmacies can offer fast and convenient clinical advice for a wide range of minor health concerns. No appointment needed.
- Health advice – If you have urgent medical concerns, call NHS 111. The team can access a nurse, an emergency dentist, or a GP.
Keep warm, Keep well
Here’s some advice that you can follow to keep safe and well during any cold spell:
- Stay well this winter – NHS advice to help those people who are most at risk of illness during winter to take steps to stay well, including making sure you get your flu jab.
- Keep well and warm – Government advice on staying well in cold weather, covering issues such as financial help, healthy lifestyle and heating.
- Road gritting – Check for updates on where and when gritters are out in Telford & Wrekin.
- Get Ready for Winter – Information on the dangers of winter weather from the Met Office. Get tips and advice on how to minimise its impact.
- Norovirus – Everything you need to know on how to treat, spot the signs, and limit the spread of Norovirus.
- Winter advice for older people – Advice and information from Age UK.
- School closures – updates of any school closures in Telford & Wrekin.
- Driving in the snow – Advice from the RAC to prepare yourself before embarking on a journey in the snow.
Homelessness in cold weather
You can notify Maninplace on 01952 248248 24/7 if you have concerns about anyone sleeping rough. They offer advice and support based on an individual’s needs.
Locally, the YMCA, STAY, and Maninplace are key charities supporting rough sleepers and the homeless. A donation can be made that is divided equally between the three charities.
