Cold Weather Information
last updated
08/04/2010 00:00
Department of Health's "Keep Warm, Keep Well" Campaign
The Government has launched its annual Keep Warm Keep Well Campaign for 2010/11.The government's advice on staying warm over the winter aims to reduce cold-related illness and deaths.Cold homes have a significant impact on people’s health. One of the best ways of keeping well during winter is to stay warm.
Cold weather can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. The chances of these problems are higher if people are vulnerable to cold-related illnesses because of one or more of the following:
- They are over 60
- They are on a low income and can't afford heating
- They have a long-term health condition such as heart, lung or kidney disease
- They are disabled
Every winter in the UK, 25,000-30,000 deaths are linked to the cold weather. Currently, approximately four million households in the UK are in fuel poverty. This is when a household spends more than 10 percent of its income to keep warm.
More information on this can be found at the following link:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Campaigns/DH_121156
Winter Proof Your Home
The Scottish Government has launched a campaign to get your home ready for the cold weather as follows:
It's never too early to take a few simple steps to protect your home and help those most important to you. These quick easy steps should protect you and your home from the most likely effects of a cold snap and may even save you money in the long term.
Protect the pipes in your loft or basement by wrapping them with insulation. Burst pipes can cause misery.
Find out how to turn off your water at source in case your pipes do burst, by identifying where the stopcock is in your house that cuts the main water supply to your property.
Making your home energy-efficient will make it cheaper and quicker to heat your home during a cold weather. Follow these basic tips on saving energy or call the Scottish Government's Home Energy Hotline on 0800 512 012. Energy experts will give you advice on how to keep the heat in during the winter, save money on winter fuel bills and if you are eligible for additional benefits and tax credits or cheaper fuel tariffs. You may also be eligible for a range of help including free central heating, draught-proofing devices or insulation.
Check the terms of your household insurance policies, and find out what cover you have for risks such as flood or storm damage, or for the costs of temporary accommodation if your home is not habitable. Consider taking out insurance if you don't have any. Stockup your store cupboard and freezer with soup, dried foods and also some food that you can eat even if there is a power cut.
Do you have elderly relatives or neighbours who might need help during cold weather? Don't wait until it arrives to make plans - think about who you need to look out for and who you may be able to help. A few minutes of your time could make all the difference.
If cold weather is forecast, and during a cold snap, keep your heating on overnight at a low temperature so pipes won't freeze - simply turn your thermostat down to 15 degrees Celsius.
Make a list of the telephone numbers of all the agencies you might need to get in touch with at short notice and keep it in a handy place. This might include your gas, electricity and telephone suppliers, and your insurance company. Here are a few telephone numbers to get you started, but there may be others that are important for you.
- Scottish Gas 0800 048 0202
- Scottish Power 0845 272 7999
- Scottish Hydro Electric 0800 300 999
- Scottish Water 0845 601 8855
- British Telecom 151 (residential customers) 154 (business customers)
More information on this can be found at the following link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/ready-scotland/Winter/Prepare/preparehome
