Keep warm in the cold
It's vital that you keep warm during this very cold weather. Even if you are fine yourself, do you know anyone - especially an older person - who may be struggling?
Follow these tips to keep healthy and safe:
- have regular hot meals and hot drinks
- try to have one proper hot meal a day
- take some physical activity: if you have difficulty walking, moving your arms and legs and wiggling your toes and fingers will help
- wear warm clothing - several layers of thinner clothes is best
- use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket at night, but not both at the same time. Make sure your electric blanket can be kept on all night, and get it safety checked every three years
- make sure your living room is warm enough - the recommended temperature for older people is 21°C
- try to heat your bedroom overnight in winter
Are bills a problem?
If heating bills are a problem in this very cold weather, can you sleep and live in the same room? Can you get friends or family to move your bed into the living room?
If you are cutting back on basics such as food or heating because you are concerned about high energy bills, get more advice form the free helpline on 0800 00 99 66; or contact Manchester City Council on 0161 234 5678 for advice on extra benefits.
More information
- Go to the City Council's
winter warmth web page.
- Or look at this 'Staying warm in winter' leaflet from Help the Aged and British Gas.
Email this page
