Buckinghamshire, like the rest of the UK, is entering another cold spell.
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – the organisation responsible for looking after Public Health in England – issued a level 3 Cold Alert on Monday. This means that severe winter weather is now occurring, defined as a mean temperature of 2°C or less and/or widespread ice or heavy snow.
Tips for staying safe during the cold weather
- Keep as active as you can – even armchair exercises are better than nothing
- Keep warm
- Lots of layers of clothes, rather than one chunky layer
- NHS recommends your thermostat is set at 18°C or above
- Carefully use a hot water bottle
- Use an electric blanket or an electric throw
- Try not to sit still for more than an hour
- Keep your bedroom windows closed at night
- Keep your curtains closed to keep heat in
- Have lots of hot fluids and food
- Make sure you are on the Priority Services Register if you are eligible
- Make sure you have plenty of medication
- Keep in touch with family and friends to keep your spirits up
- Be prepared
- Have a torch to hand in case of power cuts
- Keep your mobile phone charged
- Keep emergency phone numbers nearby (electricity, family, doctor)
- Take care if using open or electric fires – don’t try and dry clothes near them
- Don’t try to reduce draughts by blocking air vents – they are there for a reason!
- Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
- Tell neighbours if you are on your own, and are worried about the weather
- Check on elderly neighbours and relatives
- If you are out driving
- Make sure you have plenty of fuel
- Check your tyres are in good condition
- Have emergency supplies with you (food, water, blankets, etc) in case you get stuck
- Tell people where you are going and when you expect to get there.
- Make sure your mobile is charged
- If out walking wear ‘sensible’ boots or shoes
- Wrap up warmly – even on a sunny day it can still be very, very cold
- If you haven’t already, get vaccinated against the flu and make sure you are up to date on your Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters