Keep warm in winter

Older people and vulnerable people are at greater risk of suffering illness or death from winter weather. There is a direct link between cold weather and higher mortality rates. But winter needn't be dangerous if you take the right precautions.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a lowered deep-core body temperature of 35C/95F or below. It is the lowered temperature of the organs inside the body which is important - an ordinary thermometer cannot measure this. You may not actually feel cold but if you sit in a cold room and do little or nothing to keep warm then you may run the risk of suffering from hypothermia or becoming ill with bronchitis or pneumonia, both cold related illnesses.

Look out for danger signs:

• Drowsiness
• Very cold skin on parts of the body normally covered up, e.g. stomach or armpits
• Slurred speech
• Absence of complaint about feeling cold, even in a bitterly cold room

Keep warm:

• Wear lots of thin layers
• Stay active
• Take warm food and drink
• Snuggle under a blanket

  
Looking after your neighbours

If someone has had an accident in their home or been taken ill, they may not be able to attract your attention.  Look out for signs that something might be wrong, especially when the weather is cold.

Look out for:

• Newspapers stuck in the letterbox
• Curtains drawn or light left on during the day
• Home in darkness when you would expect someone to be at home
• Dog barking all day or a cat trying to be let in 

How you can help:

• DO move the person into warmer surroundings
• DO wrap the person in a light layer of blankets
• DO give them warm, nourishing drinks
• DO call the doctor or nurse
• DON'T put them next to a fire or give them a hot water bottle
• DON'T give them alcohol