Top Tips for Winter

Here are our top 5 tips for winter

With the winter weather well and truly upon us, we have put together some of our top tips for winter.

1. Be prepared

With the weather getting colder and the risk, in some areas, of flooding and adverse weather conditions it is always advisable to be prepared for an emergency.

Emergencies can significantly disrupt our daily lives and whilst we can’t always predict or prevent them from happening, we can plan ahead to minimise the impact.

We advise that you keep stocks of dried milk, canned foods and some bottled water in the house, as well as keeping a note of useful emergency telephone numbers:

Anglian Water

Water supply and sewerage service queries and emergencies.

Tel: 03457 145 145

Environment Agency:

General enquiries: 03708 506 506 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Email: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

Environment incident hotline:

Telephone (24 hour service) 0800 80 70 60

Flood line:

Telephone (24 hour service) 0345 988 1188

Type talk (for the hard of hearing) 0345 602 6340

National Grid:

For gas and electric emergencies.

Tel: 0800 111 999

NHS Direct:

For health advice and reassurance by telephone, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Tel: 111

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY DIAL 999 or (112 from a mobile)

 

2. Keep warm at home

• It is recommended that you keep your home heating to a steady and comfortable temperature during the day between 18ºC and 21ºC.
• Draft proofing doors and windows can help to keep the heat in and reduce heating costs.
• Getting your boiler serviced annually will also help to keep your heating running as efficiently as possible.
• If your home is heated by oil or solid fuels, ensure you have a good supply of fuel in case of an emergency.
• You may be entitled to Winter Fuel Payment, you can find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment here: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

 

3. Eating Well

During the colder darker months it can be difficult to sometimes find the motivation to prepare meals. However it is important especially during winter months to ensure you eat a well-balanced and healthy diet. Keeping your cupboards stocked with some basics is also a good idea, just in case you are unable to get out to the shops.

Don’t forget, our care team can also help you with shopping trips or ordering an online shop, please contact our office management team for more information.

 

4. Up to date with your vaccinations?

At this current time it is important to make sure you are up to date with all of your jabs not just the COVID-19 vaccine and the booster. You can contact your GP to find out more information about the vaccinations you are entitled too.

This time of year is also notorious for colds and bugs, there are some simple measures you can take to help prevent the spread of germs by:

• regularly washing your hands with soap and water
• wear a face mask when you are out in public areas
• avoid close contact with people who are unwell
• catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue

 

5. Wrap up warm

One of the best ways to keep warm this winter is to wear lots of layers when venturing outside and take a spare layer or two with you in case the temperature suddenly drops. Wearing an extra layer around your home can also help to keep you warm and reduce your heating costs.