Keep warm this winter

Staying warm in cold weather is important for everyone. But it is especially important for those people who are most at risk, including:

• the elderly
• very young
• those with long-term medical conditions.

Tips for keeping warm this winter

Keep your home warm, efficient and safe

Try to heat the rooms you use to at least 18°C if you can, as this reduces the risk to health of someone wearing suitable winter clothing.

• Overnight, people who are 65 and over or who have pre-existing health conditions, may find bedroom temperatures of at least 18°C are good for their health; this may be less important if you are a healthy adult under 65 and have appropriate clothing and bedding.
• If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to sleep.
• Get your heating system and cooking appliances checked and keep your home well ventilated.
• If you have an electric blanket, use it as instructed and get it tested every 3 years. Never use a hot water bottle with an electric blanket.
• Do not use a gas cooker or oven to heat your home; it is inefficient and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning which can kill.
• If you are not on mains gas or electricity, make sure you have a good supply of heating oil, LPG or solid fuel so you do not run out in winter.
• Water and energy companies can supply special support in emergencies to vulnerable residents. Register with your local suppliers and find out more about their priority services register on their websites.

Keep the warmth in:

• Fit draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors.
• Make sure you have loft insulation. And if you have cavity walls, make sure they are insulated too.
• Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes.
• Draw your curtains at dusk and tuck behind radiators to help keep heat inside.
• Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by furniture or curtains.

If you have mould or damp in your home, or your heating has broken, you must:

• contact the landlord if you rent
• discover what is causing the problem and research who can help you, if you own your home.

Visit GOV.UK to learn how mould can affect your home. It covers your landlord's responsibilities and what you can do in your own home.

Looking after yourself and others

Sitting or sleeping in a cold room is not good for you and increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke and breathing problems.

• Prepare for cold weather - stock up on essential foods and medication to reduce trips out.
• Exercise and eating healthy - taking part in exercise and eating healthy is good for you all year round and can help you keep warm in winter. Find tasty and affordable meals with easy step-by-step recipes from the Better Health website.
• Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer; this will trap the heat better to keep you warm.
• Help to pay for gas and electricity bills - if you are struggling with the cost of living, visit our cost of living support pages to find out what help is available.

Going out in cold weather

If you need to go out:

• Wear shoes with slip resistant, good grip soles.
• Wear a few layers of thin clothing, rather than one thick layer, as this will trap the heat better to keep you warm.
• Make sure you are not caught out by snow and ice; stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with food supplies.
• In periods of severe weather such as snow and ice, do not travel unless necessary. Get up-to-date traffic information on the Kent Travel Information website.
• People are urged not to go to A&E or call 999 unless it’s an emergency. If you are in any doubt NHS 111 can help you get the right treatment.

Warm spaces

There are 4,000+ warm welcome spaces right across the UK including our Kent Libraries.

Warm welcome spaces offer a safe, free, warm and welcoming space for everyone who needs it.

Find your nearest space

Find out more and stay up to date

During November and March, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office issue cold-health alerts.

To keep up to date follow:

• UKHSA on Facebook and X (Twitter)
• Met Office Facebook and X (Twitter)

You can also use the links below to find out more about staying safe, warm and well in the colder months.