Keeping warm this winter
Find out some simple things you can do to keep
warm and make the best use of your heating at home.
Keeping warm
To keep warm and well during periods of
cold weather
NHS Choices advise:
- Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out
draughts.
- Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if
possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during
winter.
- Wear several light layers of warm clothes (rather than one
chunky layer).
- Keep as active as possible.
- Wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days.
Keep your main living room at around
18- 21°C (64-70°F), and the rest of the house at least 16°C (61°F).
If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room
during the day and the bedroom just before you go to sleep.
All wrapped up for Winter
How to keep warm and well this winter
A guide for residents
Help with heating your home
Cold weather payments
If you are receiving certain benefits during
very, cold weather you may be able to claim financial help with
heating your home, including:
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Cold Weather Payment
- Heating Rebate scheme
- Warm Front scheme
To find out whether you could qualify for help
this winter go to the Gov.UK
website for more information.
Difficulty paying your fuel bills?
If you're behind with payments of your gas or electricity bills,
the CAB advise to contact your fuel supplier straight away.It adds
your fuel supplier must offer you an arrangement to pay off the
arrears at a rate you can afford. Your supplier must offer you a
method of payment which is the most suitable for you and they must
take into account your ability to pay.
You may be able to get a grant to help you pay for fuel arrears
as well as some other household bills. If you are on a low income
or considered to be vulnerable, you may be able to pay a
reduced-rate tariff from your fuel supplier.
For more information about these and for further help and advice
if you’re having difficulty paying your fuel bills go to the
Citizens Advice Bureau's website.
Saving fuel
You should also check that you're using fuel
in the most efficient way. This will help to reduce your energy
bills. Tower Hamlets Council advises you can save fuel by following
some simple tips including shutting your curtains at dusk,
insulating your hot water tank and switching all lights off when
they are not being used. To find out more fuel saving tips go to
Tower Hamlets Council's website.
Listen out for weather warnings
The Met Office provides the weather forecasts
for radio and TV - listen out for these bulletins regularly to
keep up to date with the weather.
Icy conditions
NHS Choices advise black ice on pavements or
roads might not be clearly visible, and compacted snow may turn to
ice and become slippery. So please take extra care if you go out
and wear boots or shoes with good grip on the soles.
How to find more information on keeping warm
and well this winter:
External links