Winter weather advice

Keep warm keep well

Keep Warm Keep Well

We are far more likely to catch a cold or flu during winter. Cold weather can also cause other serious health problems like pneumonia.

It’s essential to keep warm in winter and there are some simple things you can do to keep warm and stay healthy.

Tips to help ensure you stay warmer throughout the winter, heat your home well!


During the day

  • Set your thermostat at around 21°C (70F) and heat all the rooms you use in the day
  • If you can’t heat all the rooms make sure you keep your living room warm throughout the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed.
  • Set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed
  • In very cold weather, rather than turn the thermostat up, set the heating to come on earlier so you won’t be cold while you wait for your home to heat up.

During the night

  • Try to keep a temperature of above 18°C (65F) in your bedroom overnight
  • If you use a fire or heater in your bedroom during winter, open the window or door at night a little for ventilation
  • An electric blanket or a hot water bottle will help you keep warm but never use them together as you could electrocute yourself
  • If you have an electric blanket, check what type it is – some are designed only to warm the bed before you get in and should not be used throughout the night
  • If you use an electric blanket make sure it is safe by getting it tested every three years. The Fire and Rescue Service, the council's Trading Standards service and Age Concern can test your electric blanket for safety

Dress well

  • Wear plenty of thin layers, rather than one thick one
  • Put on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots when you go outside
  • Wear clothes made of wool, cotton, or fleecy synthetic fibres
  • Stay warm in bed with bed socks, thermal underwear and a nightcap or headscarf

Get financial support

There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. It’s worthwhile claiming all of the benefits you are entitled to.

To find out what’s available in South Tyneside and to ensure you’re claiming all the benefits you are entitled to, contact South Tyneside Warm Zone

Eat well

Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day.

Stock up on food essentials to make sure trips outdoors are limited during poor weather conditions.

Get a flu jab

You can get a free flu jab from your GP if you are over 65 or if you have a long-term health condition.

Look after yourself and others

On cold days try to avoid going outside: however, if you do need to, remember to wrap up warm.

If you have an older neighbour or relative, look out for them during winter to make sure they are safe and well.

For further information on keeping warm and well visit the Keep Warm Keep Well website.

Be aware of the signs of Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition where the body becomes dangerously cold. It can be caused by brief exposure to extreme cold or by prolonged exposure to mild cold.
The danger signs are:

  • Very cold skin, even under clothes, for example, across the stomach or under the arms
  • Drowsiness and slurred speech
  • Loss of sensation – not feeling cold even when it is cold

Who is most at risk?

Elderly people and those who are ill and unable to move around easily are especially vulnerable to hypothermia. This can be due to poorly heated accomodation, not eating enough or not being active enough to generate energy.

Babies are also more prone to hypothermia because their body’s ability to regulate its temperature is not fully developed. They lose heat quickly if left in a cold room for too long.

Below are things you can do to avoid hypothermia:

  • If the weather is cold, dress appropriately before you go outside. Significant amounts of body heat can be lost through the head, so wear a warm hat.
  • Children do not always realise how cold they are when playing outdoors, so wrap them up well
  • Layers of clothing trap air, which helps to keep you warm
  • If you have a baby, put a room thermometer where they sleep to monitor the temperature. Keep it at 16°C – 20°C (60.8 – 68F)
  • Drink plenty of fluids and hot drinks (not alcohol) and eat regular balanced meals for energy.
  • Keep active when its cold, but not too the point where you are sweating. If you do get sweaty from outdoor exercise, make sure you dry off and put on warm clothes immediately after
  • Change out of wet clothes as soon as possible. Wet clothes lose about 90% of their insulating power
  • Cut down on alcohol, caffeine and nicotine as all three aggravate heat loss
  • Keep your house warm during cold weather
  • If you are taking regular medication ask your GP whether it affects your body’s ability to regulate your temperature.

What to do if you recognise the danger signs

  • Call an ambulance immediately – dial 999
  • Try to warm the person gradually by warming the room and giving them a warm drink. Don’t give them alcohol or try to warm them up quickly

For further information on hypothermia visit NHS: Hypothermia

See also

  • Warm Zone (loft and cavity wall insulation)