Keep warm and well this winter

Those most at risk include:

• Older people aged over 75
• Older people living alone
• People who are frail, have arthritis or limited mobility
• Those with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory illnesses and other chronic medical conditions
• People with severe mental illness, dementia or learning difficulties
• Young children
• People living in deprived circumstances

You can help yourself by:

• Staying informed by tuning in to weather forecasts
• Visiting Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Winter Facebook page to find out about weather forecasts, gritting and services affected by severe weather at www.facebook.com/bwdwinter
• Taking the weather into account when planning your activity over the
• following days. For example, avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at higher risk of cold-related illness or falls
• Planning how to make sure you have essential medication and groceries without putting yourself at risk, for example by getting supplies in early, having them delivered, or asking a friend or neighbour for help
• Checking that the heating in your home is working properly, that your home is warm enough and that at least one room is the minimum recommended temperature of 21 degrees celcius during the day and 18 degrees celcius at night.

You can help by checking up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to cold weather. Cold weather is especially dangerous for older people or people with serious illnesses, so keep an eye on them if you can.

This year the Department of Health has produced a Cold Weather Plan for England which provides guidance on how to reduce the impact that severe cold weather has on health. Download a copy here.