Keep well and warm this winter

• register to receive cold weather early warning alerts with the Weather-Health Alerting System provided by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in partnership with the Met Office
• keep up to date with the latest weather forecast online, or with local and regional news programmes. View or register for local weather alerts on the Met Office website 
• be prepared for the cold weather when it arrives by:
  • building up a stock of essential food items including non-cook foods and long-life milk
  • making sure you have enough medication at home so they do not run out 
  • wearing layers of warm clothing  
  • staying connected with friends, family and neighbours and ask for support if you need it 

Dangers of frozen water

• be aware of the dangers of frozen water if you are near ponds, lakes and rivers:
  • teach your family about the dangers of falling through ice into cold water and what to do in an emergency 
  • avoid walking on ice which can crack and break, and may not support your weight
  • watch children closely and make sure they stay in a safe area 
  • if someone falls through the ice call emergency services immediately - do not attempt to rescue them yourself as you could also fall in

• before you travel:
  • check the latest weather forecast, be prepared for weather changes on your route and allow extra time for your journey if you need to travel in wintery conditions
  • check how you can prepare your vehicle for winter journeys by reading our winter driving tips
  • always dress warmly and keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, such as blankets and a first aid kit
  • view our gritting routes on roads across North Yorkshire and check updates on our social media pages
• read the floodwater driving advice on the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service website

Cyclists

• stay visible when cycling – wear bright clothes, use cycle lights, wear a helmet and stay warm. Drivers can help by driving responsibly, using mirrors to check for cyclists before turning and giving cyclists at least one and a half metres space when passing

Drink driving

• plan to get home safely if you are enjoying an alcoholic drink – use public transport or a driver who has not been drinking. Stay warm and hydrated and be aware of how much you drink. Cold weather can affect your body’s ability to process alcohol, making you feel the effects more quickly
• you may also have alcohol in your system from the night before if you are thinking of driving the next day
• if you have any concerns about your drinking habits visit the Drinkaware website for support

• if you need to go outside stay alert to the weather conditions and check the forecast before you start a journey  
• dress appropriately and wear shoes with a good grip if there are slippery icy surfaces
• to find out more about how you can reduce your risk of having a fall at home, including making simple changes and doing exercises to improve your strength and balance, visit the NHS falls prevention web page 

Keep yourself warm

• low indoor temperatures can have a serious impact on your health, especially if you have medical conditions or are older
• wear different layers of clothing - wear thicker knitwear and fleeces
• eat often, with at least one hot meal and hot drinks during the day
• keep your feet warm with non-slip slippers and socks, and your hands with gloves
• move around at least once an hour, even if it's just stretching
• use hot water bottles - make sure they are sealed tightly and not filled with boiling water
• consider using other heated devices such as electric blankets

Keep your home warm 

• try to heat the rooms you spend most time in to at least 18°C
• make sure furniture and curtains are clear of radiators
• reduce draughts with draught excluders
• insulate lofts and cavity walls
• check the electrical and fire safety of any appliances before you use them
• for more advice on heating your home safely visit the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service website

How to avoid fire risks

Follow these tips to help avoid fire risks and create a home fire safety plan with a home fire safety check:

• make sure heaters are away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended
• carry out fire safety checks, inspecting your home for fire hazards and make sure all safety equipment is functional
• install carbon monoxide detectors and check them regularly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
• test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year
• keep fireplaces clean, use a screen to prevent sparks, and never leave a fire unattended
• have your boiler serviced every year by a professional to ensure it is working safely
• regularly inspect and maintain your furnace to prevent malfunctions that could lead to fires
• stay in the kitchen when cooking and never leave cooking food unattended
• use candles with caution. Always put out candles before leaving the room and keep them away from items that could easily set on fire
• avoid overloading power supplies and use power strips with surge protectors
• regularly check electrical cords for damage and replace them if they are frayed or worn
• develop a fire escape plan for your family and pets, and practice it with your family to ensure everyone knows how to get out safely
• keep fire extinguishers within easy reach and ensure everyone in your household knows how to use them

Other safety tips

• remember to open your windows for short periods to allow fresh air in and to keep the air flowing during the winter. Good ventilation helps prevent indoor pollution, maintains a healthy living environment and helps reduce the risk of passing on respiratory infections
• keeping your baby and small children safe and warm when the weather gets colder is important. Wrapping up your baby to keep them warm can however result in overheating leading to sudden infant death syndrome. For advice on safer sleep for babies and very young children visit the Lullaby Trust website
• smoking in bed can be extremely dangerous. If you are feeling sleepy in bed, you could fall asleep and set fire to your bedding and furniture. For your safety and those around you, always avoid smoking in bed. The North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service website has more advice about your bedtime routine and escape plan and smoking safety
• to help prepare for any emergencies get a list of key contacts together that you may need such as your energy supplier

• help make your home more energy efficient with tips from our energy efficiency advice page. More tips on improving heating and managing energy bills can be found on the GOV.UK website
• Warm and Well in North Yorkshire helps people stay warm and well at home for those who are unable to afford their energy bills, on low incomes or benefits, families with young children, and anyone with physical or mental health issues. Their team of energy advisors offer practical solutions to reduce fuel poverty 
• get personalised energy saving and fuel bill advice with YES Energy Solutions
• contact your water and electricity suppliers to see if you can join the Priority Services Register. This free support service helps people in vulnerable situations, ensuring you receive essential services and support during emergencies
• other support schemes and organisations in North Yorkshire may be able to help or advise if you are worried about the cost of living and struggling to pay for essentials 
•  visit the GOV.UK benefits and financial support page to find out about the support available if you’re on a low income
• more support and tips to save energy, keep warm and reduce household bills is available from the Green Doctors
• be aware of scams and fraud, especially during the festive season, to help protect yourself from threats. Be cautious with your personal information, check that offers are real, and reach out for support. If you feel you are a victim of a scam or fraud contact Action Fraud. For more information and advice about fraud visit the North Yorkshire Police website

• Warm Welcome Spaces provide free access to local community spaces to help you stay warm and connected. Here you can enjoy a cosy environment, meet new people and take part in various activities
• our libraries also provide a warm welcoming environment where you can explore a range of books, enjoy activities for all ages, find support and access the internet  

Other people around you, particularly older neighbours, family and friends may need extra support during cold weather. To help:

• keep in touch with them, check how they are feeling, and if they need any practical support
• see if they need help stocking up on food and medication if cold weather is forecast
• if you are worried about someone else’s health contact your local pharmacist, your GP or NHS 111, who will all be able to offer advice and support

• low temperatures increase the risk of flu and respiratory issues, and can also increase blood pressure which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes for older adults. The colder your home, the greater the health risks
• think pharmacy first - you can get treatment for common conditions directly from your local pharmacy, without needing a GP appointment or prescription. Pharmacists are able to supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and anti-virals where appropriate, to treat sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo (a bacterial skin infection), shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. Find your local pharmacy
• stay on top of your health and download the NHS App. You can book appointments, order prescriptions and access your medical records all in one place 
• keep your medication well stocked. Place orders for repeat prescriptions and collect them as soon as possible to ensure they do not run out. Order on the NHS App or through your GP online services
• if you’re feeling unwell or showing symptoms of an infection, please avoid visiting elderly family members, those with chronic illnesses, or anyone with a weakened immune system. This can help prevent the spread of illness and keep everyone safe and healthy
• if you need medical help but it’s not an emergency, call NHS 111 or visit your nearest Urgent Treatment Centre. They can provide quick advice and care, helping you get the right treatment without the wait. Get help for your symptoms - visit NHS 111 online

Managing colds at home

Tips to help manage coughs and colds at home:

• stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids
• rest and get enough sleep
• use a humidifier
• soothe your throat with warm drinks like honey and lemon tea
• use over-the-counter medicines like decongestants and cough medicines as needed
• gargle with salt water to help reduce throat irritation
• keep yourself warm
• avoid spreading germs - wash hands frequently and cover your mouth when coughing
• if symptoms persist or worsen, contact a healthcare professional

• getting vaccinated helps keep you and your family safe from catching serious diseases
• many illnesses are more common during the winter months, so it's important to have all the vaccinations you are eligible for - check on the Let's get vaccinated website 
• it's important for carers to get vaccinated to protect themselves and those they care for. Vaccinations help prevent illnesses like the flu and COVID-19, and reduce the risk of spreading infections to vulnerable individuals. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or visit a local pharmacy to get vaccinated

The winter months can be challenging for our mental well-being, with cold weather and shorter days sometimes leading to increased sleep, appetite changes, and spending less time doing activities we typically enjoy.

If you feel like there's too much to deal with right now, here are some steps you can take:

• talk to someone. Call a friend or family member you trust. Just talking to someone can make a big difference
• stay active as it can boost your mood and energy levels. Even a short walk outside can make a difference
• get enough light. Natural sunlight can improve your mood. Try to spend some time outside during daylight hours, or consider using a light therapy box
• stick to a regular routine to provide structure and a sense of normality
• take time for activities you enjoy, whether it's reading, cooking, or a hobby. Make sure to get enough rest and eat a balanced diet
• get professional help from a GP or mental health professional if you're feeling overwhelmed. You can now get help from 111 online or call 111 and select the mental health option
• contact a helpline - call the Samaritans on 116 123 for free, any time of day or night
• call 999 or go to A and E if someone’s life is at risk or you feel like you can't keep yourself safe

Further support

• visit our mental health page for advice on improving your mental health and how to access local support
• the NHS website provides information about five steps to improve mental wellbeing
• the Talking Therapies in North Yorkshire website provides a range of support including counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy
• for children or young people who need help, The Go-To website provides tips and information about local support or visit our children and young people's mental health web page