Cold weather alert – advice on keeping warm and well

The council is issuing advice to residents following the current cold spell and has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEP).

A yellow cold-health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency and is in effect until 22 November.

The SWEP has been activated today (Wed) and will be in place over the next few days. If you see anyone sleeping rough, and they want access to SWEP Emergency Accommodation, they can be referred to the Rough Sleeping Team via StreetLink.

Referrals outside of office hours (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) will need to be processed by the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) who can be contacted on 01344 351 999.

As well as the prolonged period of low temperatures there could be icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths. Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are reminded to take extra care.

Cold weather can also be bad for people’s health, with the over 65s, low-income families and people living with a disability or a medical condition most at risk.

Councillor Ishrat Shah, lead member for public health, wellbeing and equalities, said: “As we get older it takes us longer to warm up and this raises the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. This makes it particularly important that our older and more vulnerable residents stay warm and take care of themselves.

“Some people find it difficult to cope with cold weather by themselves so we urge everyone to look out for their family, friends and neighbours who might need a helping hand.”

The gritters will be going out tonight for primary and secondary routes and car parks. You can find out more about our snow and winter gritting plan.

The council’s public health team has also issued some advice about keeping warm and well this winter and to help you look after yourself and others.

• Keep warm – heat homes to at least 18°C (65°F) with the main living area slightly warmer. People should also wear appropriate warm clothing. The 18°C (65F) threshold is particularly important for people 65 years and over or with pre-existing medical conditions; having temperatures slightly above this threshold may be beneficial.

• Maintaining the 18°C (65F) threshold overnight may be beneficial to protect the health of those 65 years and over or with pre-existing medical conditions; while continuing to use sufficient bedding, clothing and thermal blankets, or heating aids as appropriate

• The recommended temperature for rooms where infants sleep is between 16 to 20°C (61 to 68F).

• Layer clothing whether indoors or outside - wrap a scarf around your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air.

• Wear shoes with a good grip if going outside.

• When indoors, try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. Get up, stretch legs and make a warm drink.

• Put several layers of clothing on children when outside making sure their head, neck and hands are covered. If they then get warm, they can take one layer off at a time. Dress babies and young children in one more layer than an adult would wear.

• In drier winter air everyone loses more water through their breath. Keep drinking and try warm drinks and soup for extra appeal.

• Food is a vital source of energy and helps to keep the body warm so have plenty of hot food and drinks and stock up on tinned and frozen food to reduce the need to go out.

• Draw curtains at dusk to help keep heat generated inside your rooms.

If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, advice can be obtained from the NHS website, NHS 111 or your local pharmacist.