With the drop in temperature this week, there are a few simple steps people can take to keep themselves and others safe and well during colder temperatures. Help us reach your friends, families and local community by sharing our cold weather advice.
Key messages:
- Keep in contact with older or vulnerable family and neighbours. Take a few minutes to ask if they need any shopping or medicines and make sure they are warm and comfortable and can make all the difference.
- These are challenging times with cost of living concerns, but Simple Energy Advice provides free advice and many organisations are opening their doors and offering ‘warm spaces’ to help keep you warm this winter.
- Remember that cold weather makes us all more vulnerable to a range of winter illnesses such as flu, coughs, and colds, so please get your free flu jab and Covid-19 seasonal vaccine.
Top tips for keeping well during the cold snap:
- Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you.
- Check the weather forecast and the news.
- Make sure you have sufficient food and medicine.
- Take simple measures to reduce draughts at home.
- Heat rooms you spend most time in, to 18C if you can.
- Keep bedroom windows closed.
- Wear multiple layers of thinner of clothing
- If you’re eligible, get vaccinated against flu and Covid-19
- Get help if needed. Call NHS 111 or in an emergency 999.
You can find more information on our website: www.southwestlondon.icb.nhs.uk/news/staying-safe-and-well-in-wintry-weather/
As part of the new Weather-Health Alerting System the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency has issued a specific health alert for London.
The system aims to provide an early warning when temperatures are likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of the population.
The ‘yellow Cold Health Alert’ is in place until midday on Tuesday 5 December and we are sharing advice on how people can stay safe and well during colder weather over the weekend.
Template posts and copy you can share on your social channels are below. Or if it’s easier you can reshare our posts – you can find us on X, Facebook and Instagram.
Most important posts to share
| Looking after others In this #ColdWeather, don’t forget to look out for anyone close to you who might struggle with the drop in temperature. Find out how to stay safe and well in wintery weather: Staying safe and well in wintry weather – NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (icb.nhs.uk) | |
| Looking after others Caring for a vulnerable or older person this winter? Here are some tips to help them stay safe and well through the colder months: Staying safe and well in wintry weather – NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (icb.nhs.uk) | |
| Looking after yourself During winter, the cold and damp weather, ice and snow can all make existing health problems worse. Follow our steps to stay well and be #WeatherReady. Learn more: Staying safe and well in wintry weather – NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (icb.nhs.uk) | |
| If a yellow alert is issued Together the @metoffice, @UKHSA have issued a yellow cold-health alert for London. Read more about to stay safe and well in wintery weather: Staying safe and well in wintry weather – NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (icb.nhs.uk) | |
For more information go to: www.southwestlondon.icb.nhs.uk/news/staying-safe-and-well-in-wintry-weather/