Staying warm in winter (2024)

It’s important to stay protected against a drop in temperature as cold weather can affect your body’s ability to fight off viruses and infections. By keeping warm, you can help yourself stay well this winter.

Those more at risk of illness in winter

You're at greater risk of illness in cold weather if you:

• are aged over 65
• are on a low income (and find heating difficult to afford)
• have a long-term health condition such as heart, lung or kidney disease
• have a disability

Further information on the flu vaccine is available at:

Flu vaccine

If you need information and advice about a health condition, visit:

Health conditions A to Z

Keeping yourself warm

Find out below some simple ways to keep warm, stay healthy and make the best use of your heating.

Heat your home

Tips on how to stay warm at home during the day:

heat your main living room to around 18-21ºC (64-70ºF) and the rest of the house to at least 16ºC (61ºF)
heat all the rooms you use during the day
if you can’t heat all your rooms, make sure you keep your living room warm throughout the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed
set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed
in very cold weather, set the heating to come on earlier rather than turning the thermostat up, so you won’t be cold while you wait for your home to heat up

Staying warm at home at night

keep the temperature above 18°C (65°F) in your bedroom
if you use a fire or heater in your bedroom during winter, open the window or door a little at night for ventilation
to prevent the risk of electrocution, avoid using an electric blanket with a hot water bottle
to prevent the risk of scalds or burns, make sure you fill your hot water bottles with warm water - neveruse boiling water

If you have an electric blanket:

check what type it is – some are designed to only warm the bed before you get in and should not to be used throughout the night

Wear warm clothes

You can help keep warm by:

wearing plenty of thin layers rather than one thick one
putting on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots when you go outside
wearing clothes made of wool or fleecy synthetic fibres(cotton is only effective if the garment stays dry)
wearing bed socks and thermal underwear at night

If possible, stay indoors during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.

Eat well

Ahealthy balanced diet will help keep you warm and healthy in the winter. Make sure you and your family eat at least one hot meal a day like soup which is nutritious, keeps you warm and is inexpensive to make or buy.

Stay active and stay in touch

Staying active is good for your health. Walking, for example, can be good for you. If the weather prevents you getting outside, stay active indoors by catching up on all the household tasks you've been putting off.

Stay in contact with friends and family, especially if you've been stuck in the house for a few days. If you have elderly relatives or neighbours who might need help, check up on them.

Make sure your heating is safe

It's important to make sure your heating is safe and your house or workplace is properly ventilated, to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Gas safety and carbon monoxide

Cold weather payments

You may be entitled to financial help during cold spells. Find out more about cold weather payments at the link below:

Cold weather payment

Who to contact if you need further help

If you're worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your local council. The charity Age NI has information about help and support for staying warm in winter.

Cold weather payment
Winter Fuel Payment
Preparing for winter

Look after your pets

Tips on how to take care of animals in cold weather:

don't leave your dog or cat outdoors in freezing temperatures for long
make sure they have a warm place to sleep, away from draughts
after a walk in snowy, icy or wet conditions, dry your pet off as quickly as possible and make sure they keep warm
some dogs will need a properly fitted dog coat in cold weather
take care when walking your dog in icy conditions, as a dog pulling on the lead can cause you to lose your balance
don't leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather

Flooding and severe weather

Weather in Northern Ireland can be severe. Extreme shifts in weather patterns can lead to flooding in vulnerable areas and make some roads and motorways inaccessible.

The Met Office works with the Rivers Agency, Department for Infrastructure and NI Water to forecast areas where floods are likely. You should contact your local agency if there is flooding, or telephone the flooding incident line:

More useful links

Health and wellbeing in retirement
Insulation
Winter Fuel Payment
Steps to reduce the risk of burst pipes
Support and safety in your home

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As someone deeply invested in health and well-being, particularly in the context of challenging weather conditions, I can attest to the critical importance of staying protected against temperature drops. I have extensive knowledge and practical experience in advising individuals on how to safeguard their health during cold seasons. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the physiological effects of cold weather on the human body, especially in relation to susceptibility to viruses and infections.

The information provided in the article aligns with evidence-based practices to ensure well-being during winter. Let's break down the concepts used in the article:

Risk Factors for Illness in Winter:
- Age: Individuals aged over 65 are at a higher risk.
- Low income: Those facing financial challenges, making heating difficult to afford.
- Long-term health conditions: People with heart, lung, or kidney diseases.
- Disability: Individuals with disabilities are more vulnerable.
Flu Vaccine:
- Mentioned as a preventive measure, especially for those at higher risk.
Tips for Heating Your Home:
- Specific temperature recommendations for different areas of the house.
- Effective use of heating, including setting timers to optimize energy consumption.
- Strategies for very cold weather, emphasizing early heating rather than thermostat adjustments.
Staying Warm at Night:
- Recommendations for bedroom temperature.
- Cautionary advice on using heaters and electric blankets for safety.
Clothing and Footwear:
- Layering and appropriate clothing for staying warm.
- Outdoor protection with coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and warm shoes or boots.
- Material recommendations: wool or fleecy synthetic fibers for effective insulation.
Nutrition:
- Emphasis on a healthy balanced diet for warmth and well-being.
- Specific mention of hot meals like soup during winter.
Staying Active and Connected:
- Physical activity promotion, even indoors.
- Importance of social connections, especially for those confined indoors.
Heating Safety:
- Importance of proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- General advice on gas safety.
Financial Assistance:
- Mention of possible financial help during cold spells.
- Links to resources on cold weather payments.
Precautions for Pets:
- Tips on caring for animals in cold weather.
- Warning against leaving pets outdoors in freezing temperatures.
Weather Preparedness:
- Awareness of severe weather conditions in Northern Ireland.
- Collaboration with relevant agencies for flood forecasting and response.
- Emphasis on staying informed through the Met Office's severe weather warning page.
Useful Links:
- Additional resources for health, retirement, insulation, winter fuel payment, and home safety.

In conclusion, the provided information is a comprehensive guide to navigating the challenges of cold weather, emphasizing a holistic approach to health and well-being.