Keeping Warm and Well in Winter
With winter just around the corner, Malvern Hills District Council is reminding residents of
some simple steps that can be taken to keep warm and well. Staying one step ahead of the
weather this winter will help you keep safe and well.
Below are some key tips to keep you warm and well this winter.
Flu vaccinations:
Contact your GP or pharmacist if you think you, or someone you care for, might quality for a
free flu jab. Flu vaccinations are available for those who:
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Are aged 65 or over
Are aged two, three or four years
Are pregnant
Have a serious medical condition such as chronic heart, lung, neurological, liver or
kidney diseases, or diabetes
Have a weakened immune system due to HIV or treatments that supress the immune
system such as chemotherapy
Have had a stroke of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or post-polio syndrome
Are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility (not prison
or university halls)
Are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you
fall ill
Keep your home warm, efficient, safe and reduce bills:
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Heating your home to at least 18- 21 Celsius in winter poses minimal risk to your health
when you are wearing suitable clothing
Get your heating system and cooking appliances checked and keep your homer well
ventilated
Use your electronic blanket as instructed and get it tested every three years. Never use a
hot water bottle with an electronic blanket. do not use a gas cooker or oven to heat your
home; it is inefficient and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and this can kill
Make sure you have a supply of heating oil of LPG or solid fuel if you are not on mains
gas or electricity – to make sure you do not run out in the winter
If your house has a chimney, make sure it is swept at least once a year to reduce the risk
of a chimney fire. Make sure you have a fitted and working fire alarm
Read your gas and electricity meters and give the reading to your energy supplier.
Check your tariff – you could reduce your bills
Switch off appliances and lights when they are not in use - the savings soon add up
Fitting draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors
Making sure you have loft insulation, and if you have cavity walls, make sure they are
insulated too
Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes
Draw your curtains at dusk to keep heat generated inside your rooms
Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by furniture or curtains
Look after yourself:
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Food is a vital source of energy and helps to keep your body warm so have plenty of hot
food and drinks
Aim to include five daily portions of fruit and vegetables. Tinned and frozen vegetables
count towards your five a day
Stock up on tinned and frozen foods so you don’t have to go out too much when it’s cold
your icy
Exercise is good for you all year round and it can keep you warm in winter
If possible, try to move around at least once an hour. But make sure you remove all
hazards that may cause you to fall and speak to your GP before starting any exercise
plans
Wear lots of thin layers – clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are particularity
good and maintain body heat
Wear good-fitting slippers with a good grip indoors and shoes with a good grip outside to
prevent slips, trips and falls. When you do go outside make sure your wear a hat, gloves
and scarf to cover your mouth
Make sure you have spare medication in case you are unable to go out
Make sure that you are your family members have received all appropriate vaccinations.
Your GP surgery will advise you on this
Make sure you have an emergency contact number for a friend or neighbour in case you
need help
Check if you eligible for inclusion on the Priority Services Register operated by your
water and power supplier
Look after others:
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Check on older neighbours or relatives, especially those living along or who have serious
illnesses to make sure they are safe, warm and well
For information on how to join Neighbourhood Watch visit
www.neighbourhoodwatchmalvernhills.org.uk
Get financial support:
There are grants, benefits and sources of advice to make your home more energy efficient,
improve your heating or help with bills. For more information on what grants are available
please visit: http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/homepage/33/warmer_worcestershire
Useful contacts and websites:
Warmer Worcestershire Advice Line (free phone) – 0800 988 2881 – gives you advice on
keeping warm, saving energy and reducing your gas and electricity bills, provided by Act on
Energy
Act on Energy 0800 988 2881 - for free, impartial energy advice.
NHS Direct National Helpline – 111 – 24 hour health advice for non emergency calls
Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire – 0800 008 6077 & Age UK Malvern & District
via email [email protected] or telephone 01684 56066 – offering support and
advice for the over 50’s
Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue Service – 0800 032 1155 – contact the Community
Safety Team for a home fire safety check, they are offered free of charge and are targeted
primarily at the more vulnerable groups in the community. This would include the elderly,
people living along and those with reduced mobility or other issues.
Urgent Primary Care Out of Hours Service – 0300 123 3211 – (available during evenings,
weekends and public holidays). If you have an urgent medical or dental problem while your
surgery is closed, contact the Urgent Primary Care Out of Hours Service for Worcestershire.
Weather Updates (www.metoffice.gov.uk) - 0870 900 0100 – Keep up to date with
weather through the met office website. Local information can be accessed via the County
Council and/or your local radio station which will provide updates on local weather, road and
school closures etc.
www.worcestershirehealth.nhs.uk – This website will help you find out about the services
available from Worcestershire NHS. Details on pharmacies, out of hours services and
hospital information can all be found on these webpages.