Be prepared during the cold weather and follow our top tips for keeping well:
- receive free weather alerts - sign up to receive and severe weather and flooding alerts, visit Surrey Prepared
- warm welcome venues - find support in your area
- contact your GP to get your free flu jab if you are aged over 65 or a main carer for an older or disabled person
- know where to go if you feel unwell - pharmacies are the first place to go for clinical advice and treatment for minor health concerns; if you're worried about an urgent medical concern, call 111 to speak to a fully trained adviser or visit NHS 111 online; and ensure you have enough medicine in case of a cold weather spell and you are not unable to get out
- Priority Services Registers - look on utility bills to find out about extra support from energy suppliers during a power or water outage - make sure your heating and gas appliances are working well, have them serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- be a good neighbour - the elderly are more vulnerable than others during winter months, Age UK has useful information to help people to stay safe, warm and well
- make sure your community is safe - if you are concerned about the safety of someone in their home, refer them for a Free Safe and Well Visit from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service
- eat regularly and try to keep a loaf of bread and a pint of milk in your freezer - just in case you cannot get out to the shops, meals on wheels are available short or long term
- layer your clothing whether you are indoors or outdoors - wrap a scarf around your mouth to protect your lungs from cold air; the community alarm can provide sensors to keep your home at the optimum temperature
- ensure dark areas around your home are well lit and remove any trip hazards
- try not to sit down for more than an hour at a time, move about and make yourself a warm drink - do make sure you keep well hydrated and have at least 8 drinks a day (including tea and coffee but excluding alcohol)
- clearing snow and ice - help prevent injury by clearing the path outside your home: see GOV.UK: Clearing snow
- water in winter - colder temperatures can cause leaky pipes to freeze, and sometimes burst; prepare your home, check for leaks and insulate pipes - visit SES Water for more tips and information
For more information and details on services to support you see the following guides:
NHS Stay well this winter - to find out how the cold can affect your health and GOV.UK: Keep warm, keep well.
You can find more useful information and links on keeping you safe in an emergency to help you learn more about the potential emergencies that could affect you and what you can do to help prepare against them.