Level 3 cold weather alert
The Met Office has issued a Level 3 Cold Weather Alert for England from Wednesday night (7 Dec) until Monday morning (12 Dec).
This means severe cold weather and icy conditions are expected in parts of England. Daytime temperatures are expected to be near or just above freezing, with even colder nights and a risk of ice. This could increase the health risks to vulnerable people and disrupt the delivery of services.
Advice: Keep your home warm, look after yourself and check on people who may be vulnerable
- Get your COVID-19 vaccinations and flu jab if you are eligible to make sure you are protected against serious illness this winter.
- Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C, particularly if you are not mobile, have a long-term illness or are 65 or over.
- Keep your home warm, efficiently and safely – be careful using electric blankets, and do not use a gas cooker or oven to heat your home – it’s inefficient and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Keep in the warmth by drawing curtains at dusk, sealing gaps around windows and doors, and make sure radiators are not obstructed.
- Avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at a higher risk of cold-related illness or falls. Make sure you have the food, fuel and medicine you need at home so you don’t need to go out.
- Maintain your body heat - make sure you move around and stay active, and wear many thin layers.
- Check on older neighbours, friends or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses to make sure they are well, they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately.
If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, go to www.nhs.uk/winterhealth, call NHS 111 or talk to your local pharmacist.
Local advice
Brighton & Hove Cost of Living Support – www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/cost-living-support
Find information on money advice, benefits, emergency help, free and low cost food options, wellbeing support, energy advice and the cost of living crisis appeal.
Warm Welcome Directory – lists indoor activities and warm places to go this winter: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/warm-welcome
Attached: Key Winter Support & Advice – resource for workers, volunteers and professionals which summarises key local and national support available this winter for energy, food, water and other essential costs. It also includes support for home safety and guidance on keeping warm and well at home.
Attached: The Briefing sheet - fuel, food and the cold – includes more advice on looking after yourself and others, keeping your home warm, and gives a summary of the key cold weather and fuel poverty initiatives in Brighton & Hove with contact details.
More information and advice – including advice you can share with your networks and actions you can take to look after those you work with.
Information on staying well this winter in alternative formats:
