Heat your home, make the most of grants, eat well and get a flu jab is the message from Cambridgeshire County Council ahead of the winter months
Cambridgeshire County Council has issued a number of tips on how to keep warm this winter. - Credit: Getty Images/Hemera
As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, Cambridgeshire County Council has issued some tips and advice on how the public can keep warm this winter.
There are around 180 extra deaths every year in Cambridgeshire linked to the cold weather and the council has joined forces with local organisations to target people with long-term health conditions.
People aged over 65, pregnant women and parents of children under five have all been identified as those most ‘at risk’ to the perils of the winter weather.
As part of the local campaign, people who are eligible and receive a free flu jab will also receive a free information pack giving tips, recipes and helpful numbers. Local organisations, including charities, councils and not for profit organisations can also apply for grants on behalf of people struggling to pay their fuel bills and keep their homes warm.
The council has also offered these simple tips to help keep yourself, friends and family warm and well this winter:
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1. Heat the home well.
Heat the home to a minimum of 18°C (65°F), and make sure you are dressed appropriately for the weather. Above this and people may be wasting money; below this and there is a risk health. This will keep the home warm and may lower the bills.
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2. Get financial support.
There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make the home more energy efficient, improve the heating, or help with bills.
3. Eat well and have plenty of fluids.
Food and water are vital sources of energy; they help keep a person’s body warm. People should make sure they and their family have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day.
4. Get a flu jab.
Certain groups can get a free flu jabs to protect against seasonal flu, including the over 65s, pregnant women, people with a long term illness or if someone is the main carer of an elderly or disabled person. Free flu jabs are available from your GPs and some pharmacies.
5. Look after yourself and others.
On cold days try to avoid going outside. If a person does need to venture out, they need to wrap up warm and take care on slippery surfaces. Look out for an older or vulnerable neighbour or relative during this winter to make sure they are safe and well.
