Your guide to keeping warm this winter

It’s that time of the year where we all need to wrap up warm and stay cosy, and for some of us, with this comes the added concerns of making sure your loved ones stay warm too.

What we had hoped would be a white Christmas is now more of a sludgy one, but either way, it is certainly going to be cold this winter.

To help alleviate your concerns and plan for the winter weather, we’ve scoured the web to find the best advice for keeping you and yours warm this December.

NHS

• if you’re not very mobile, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease, heat your home to at least 18C (65F)
• keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can – and keep the bedroom window closed
• during the day you may prefer your living room to be slightly warmer than 18C
• to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), babies should sleep in rooms heated to between 16C and 20C
• if you’re under 65, healthy and active, you can safely have your home cooler than 18C, if you’re comfortable
• draw curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to block out draughts
• get your heating system checked regularly by a qualified professional

Age UK

• If you’re sitting down, a shawl or blanket will provide a lot of warmth. Try to keep your feet up, as the air is cooler at ground level.
• Wear warm clothes in bed. When it’s very cold, wear thermal underwear, bed socks and even a hat – a lot of heat is lost through your head.
• Use a hot-water bottle, wheat bag or an electric blanket to warm the bed. Never use a hot-water bottle and an electric blanket together as this can be dangerous.
• Get your electric blanket checked every three years by an expert.
• Check whether your electric blanket can be kept on all night. Some blankets should only be used to warm the bed before you get in. If you have continence difficulties, talk to your doctor before using one.
• Make sure you keep your hands and face warm. As well as wearing gloves and a hat, always wrap a scarf around your face when you go outside, even if it’s only for a short time. This helps to warm the air you breathe.
• Several thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer, as the layers trap warm air. Clothes made from wool or fleecy synthetic fibres such as polyester are a better choice than cotton. Start with thermal underwear, warm tights or socks.
• Keep your feet warm. Choose boots with non-slip soles and a warm lining, or wear thermal socks.
• Check local news and weather forecasts for advice when cold weather is predicted.

British Gas

• Heat your home – not your walls! Cover a thin sheet of card with tinfoil and place it behind your radiators.
• Pop on some pipe lagging; this will keep the water inside your pipes hotter for longer as well making your heating and hot water more efficient!
• Draught proof your windows.
• Bleed your radiators.
• Roll out a rug over your wooden floors to stop heat escaping.

Hopefully these top tips prove helpful for keeping your entire family warm during this festive season. The most important thing at this time of year is to let your elderly loved ones know you’re here; give them a call today, check they have everything they need, and, if possible, offer to pick up their shopping to avoid them needing to go out in the cold. These little things make a big difference!

Have a safe, warm and Merry Christmas.

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