The following is Government guidance on staying warm during very cold weather.
Heating your home
To keep warm at home during the day try to:
- heat your main living room around 18-21°C (64-70°) and the rest of the house at 16°C (61°F)
- heat all the room you use during the day
- 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 set the heating to come on earlier, rather than turn the thermostat up, so you won't be cold while you wait for your home to heat up.
To keep warm at home during the night you should:
- try to keep the temperature about 18°C (65°F) in your bedroom overnight
- open the window or door a little at night for ventilation if you use a fire or heater in your bedroom during winter
- never use an electric blanket and a hot water bottle together as you could electrocute yourself
- check what type of electric blanket you have - some are designed only to warm the bed before you get in and should not be used throughout the night
- make sure your electric blanket is safe to use by getting it tested every three years - the Fire and Rescue Service, Trading Standards, and Age UK can test your electric blanket for safety.
Financial help for heating your home
You may also be able to claim financial help with heating your home, including:
- winter fuel payment
- cold weather payment
- heating rebate scheme
- warm front scheme.
The DirectGov website provides information on the eligibility of getting help with heating your home:
DirectGov - Help with heating your home (external website)
Wearing warm clothes
You can help keep warm by:
- wearing plenty of thin layers, rather than one thick one
- putting on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves, and warm shoes or boots when you go outside
- wearing clothes made of wool, cotton, or fleecy synthetic fibres
- wearing bed socks and thermal underwear at night.
Eat well
Eating regular meals will help keep your energy levels up during winter.
Try to:
- have plenty of hot foods and drinks
- plan your meals and keep your diet as varied as possible
- aim to include your daily 5 portions of fruit and vegetables. This includes tinned and frozen fruit and vegetables
- stay active
- exercise is good for your overall health and it can keep you warm in winter even a small amount of exercise can bring health benefits. If possible, try to move around at least once an hour.