Staying Warm and Well in Cold Weather

Cold weather can affect anyone, but some people are especially vulnerable:

• Older adults (65+)
• People with long-term health conditions (heart, lung, mental health)
• Pregnant women
• Young children (under 5)
• People with learning disabilities or low mobility
• Those living alone or in poor housing conditions
• Individuals in deprived circumstances

Cold homes, damp conditions, and increased winter illnesses like flu and norovirus all raise health risks. Faulty heating appliances can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, and mould from damp can worsen asthma and other respiratory issues.

Don’t wait for red or amber warnings - yellow alerts still signal real danger, especially for vulnerable groups.

Check the Met Office Weather Warnings Guide

• Stay indoors during bad weather.
• Wear shoes with good grip and a scarf over your mouth when outside.
• Keep your living room warm during the day and heat your bedroom before bed.
• Maintain indoor temperatures to a minimum of  18°C.
• Wear warm clothes even indoors if you're inactive.
• If you use an electric blanket always check it regularly for signs of wear or damage. Never use an electric blanket and a hot water bottle at the same time. If you're in any doubt about your blanket, contact the manufacturer before use to make sure that it is safe. It may need to be replaced. 

• You'll naturally feel more tired during the winter, it's important to have a good night's sleep but eating your five-a-day fruit and veg will also help boost your energy levels.
• Stay active - any exercise can bring health benefits.
• Try to stock up on food essentials; long life milk, bread in the freezer and make sure you have enough medication.
• Keep in touch with friends, family, and your community.

You’re eligible for free flu and COVID-19 vaccines if you:

• Are aged 65 or over
• Have certain health conditions
• Are pregnant
• Work in frontline health or social care
• Live in a care home for older adults

Visit the NHS website to book your vaccines.

Support those around you:

• Check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
• Ask how they’re staying warm and if they need help with supplies.
• Make sure they have enough food and medication for a few days.

Winter can affect your mood - stay balanced:

• Try light therapy and get outside during daylight hours.
• Stick to a daily routine and stay socially connected.
• Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques.
• Reach out to mental health services like Wolverhampton Talking Therapies if needed.

• Never walk on frozen lakes, rivers, or ponds unless officially declared safe by local authorities.
• Keep children and pets away from icy water. Supervise outdoor play near open water.
• Look out for warning signs posted near water bodies and follow local guidance.
• Avoid throwing objects onto ice or attempting to retrieve items that fall in.

What to do if YOU fall through the ice:

• Stay calm and shout for help
• Spread your arms out across the surface of the ice in front of you
• First check if the ice is strong enough. If it is, then kick your legs to propel yourself forward
• Lie flat and use your arms to pull yourself over the ice towards the shore
• If the ice on the water breaks, try to make your way to the bank or shore, breaking ice in front of you as you go
• If you find yourself stuck and unable to escape, wait for help. Stay as still as possible to conserve your energy. Bring your arms close to your sides and keep your legs together, while keeping your head out of the water
• When you're safely out of the water it's important to go to a hospital for a check-up

What to do if you see SOMEONE ELSE falls through the ice:

Shout for help, call 999 or 112 and – if the incident involves inland water – ask for the fire service

• Do not go on to ice to attempt a rescue
• Call out to the casualty and encourage them to stay calm
• To try to reach the person from the bank, use a rope, pole, tree branch, clothes tied together or anything else that can extend your reach
• Lie down flat on the bank to avoid slipping or being pulled in
• If you can't reach them, try sliding something that floats – like a football or large plastic bottle – to them, to help them float
• If the casualty is too far away, DO NOT try to rescue them yourself
• Wait for the emergency services to arrive. Continue to calm and reassure the person

After the casualty has been rescued from the ice or water:

• Ensure the ambulance service are on their way
• Lay the casualty flat. Begin CPR if necessary and you know how
• Keep them warm with clothing and blankets and try to shelter them from the cold
• Leave them in their clothes until you reach a safe, warm location
• Don't rub their skin, never apply hot water bottles and do not give them alcohol
• Keep the casualty wrapped up, so they gradually warm up

Preventative Measures

• Educate children about ice dangers.
• Keep dogs on leads near frozen water.
• Report unsafe conditions to your local council or park authority.

Keep your home safe and functional:

• Insulate pipes and during extreme cold keep a trickle of water running to prevent the pipes from freezing.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors and check heating appliances.
• Keep heaters away from flammable items and never leave candles unattended.
• Clear gutters and check your roof for leaks.
• Ventilate rooms to reduce condensation and mould.
• Make sure you are receiving all the help that you are entitled to. There are grants, benefits, and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. Visit the following websites for further information:
  • Find ways to save energy in your home - GOV.UK
  • Benefits and financial support if you're on a low income - GOV.UK
  • Energy Company Obligation and Great British Insulation Scheme

Be ready for winter surprises:

• Create a kit with torches, batteries, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable food.
• Keep emergency contact numbers handy.
• Prepare for power cuts with backup lighting and charged devices.
• Sign up for local alerts and updates.

Travel safely and smartly:

• Check weather and transport updates before heading out.
• Keep winter supplies in your car (de-icer, blankets, shovel).
• Use accessible transport options like Ring and Ride.
• Stick to gritted routes and avoid icy paths.

Help your household stay warm and well:

• Dress children in layers and check for local coat donation schemes.
• Stay informed about school closures via council alerts.
• Apply for heating support like the Warm Home Discount. You can also find energy saving advice from our website here: Energy Efficiency Advice.
• Use food banks and free school meal programs if needed and eligible.

Wolverhampton offers warm, welcoming spaces:

• Visit Warm Welcome venues for warmth, activities, and support. Warm Welcome Spaces are free to enter. They can also signpost you to other local services that can help. Find your nearest warm space.
• Connect with local charities like The Good Shepherd.
• Volunteer your time to help others in need.
• Explore community hubs in libraries, churches, and centres.
• In addition, Age UK offers a range of free information and advice designed to help older people live well during the winter months and protect themselves when the temperature drops. For more information visit ageuk.org.uk, who help people with information and advice on a broad range of issues such as claiming benefits, exploring housing options, paying for care and support, staying healthy, and making the most of the Internet.