Amber Cold Health Alert Posted or Updated on 18 Nov 2024

Cold weather can have serious health consequences and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk. 

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. Try to heat the rooms you use most, such as the living and bedroom, to at least 18°C if you can and keep your bedroom windows closed at night.

During periods like this, it is important to check in on family, friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather, as it can have a serious impact on health.

Keep in touch with others and ask if they need any practical help such as stocking up on food and medicine. If you’re worried about someone else’s health, contact your local pharmacist, your GP or NHS 111 for advice and support.

You should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. Low indoor temperatures can have a serious impact on your health, especially if you have medical conditions or are older.

Simple changes can help to keep you and your home warm. These include:

• try to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as the living room or bedroom, to at least 18°C
• try to reduce draughts; you can fit draft excluders around doors cheaply
• keep your bedroom windows closed at night
• wear several layers of thinner clothing; this could keep you warmer than one thicker layer

Further information

For more advice on these support measures or about how to stay warm and well during cold weather, further information can be found on:

• the Met Office websites on how to get your home and property winter ready and keeping your home warm this winter
• GOV.UK website on help for households
• Age UK’s website or call 0800 169 6565 and quote ‘WINTER’
• the NHS England website how to stay well in winter