Brains of Britain releases cold weather advice

Vulnerable families are being urged to take extra precautions to keep warm over the next few days.

With the South East facing snow and low temperatures in the South West, the Department of Health is warning about the risks posed to families with young children, older people and people with health conditions.

Regional Director of Public Health  on the South East Coast, Yvonne Doyle said: “Remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk is essential. In particular, they need to keep their home at the right temperature – between 18 and 21 degrees centigrade or 64 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit -, and if they can’t heat all the rooms they use, they should heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before they go to sleep. The elderly, and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable during cold weather.”

Cold weather can be serious, claiming lives every year.

It can affect underlying heart and respiratory problems, especially those who are unable to afford to heat their homes.

To minimise the risk, people are being advised to have regular hot drinks and meals, wear several light layers of clothes and remember to wrap up warm when leaving the house.