Severe Winter Weather Warning
As the weather begins to change, so do our behaviours, the requirements we need to put in place to stay safe and ensure that those around us who are vulnerable, stay safe.
Why is winter weather a risk to our health?
Cold temperatures have an impact on our health, but there are other risks in winter including physical injuries from slips, trips and falls.
As we get older it becomes harder for our bodies to detect how cold we are, and it takes longer to warm up which can be bad for our health. For older people in particular, the longer the exposure to the cold, the more risk of heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, depression, worsening arthritis and increased accidents at home (associated with loss of strength and dexterity in the hands).
Here's a video about how weather can affect our health and what you can do to manage the possible impacts:
Why can cold weather be bad for your health?
The cold thickens blood and increases blood pressure, and breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections. So it’s all the more important to ensure your home and the homes of people you look out for are the right temperature.
What temperature should rooms be in winter?
Ideally you should heat your home to a temperature of at least 18 °C. This is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease. Having room temperatures slightly over 18 °C could be good for your health.
If you are under the age of 65, active and wearing appropriate clothing, you may wish to keep your home at a comfortable temperature even if it is slightly lower than 18°C.
Overnight, people who are 65 and over or who have pre-existing health conditions may find bedroom temperatures of at least 18 °C are good for their health; this may be less important if you are a healthy adult under 65 and have appropriate clothing and bedding.
It is important to keep your bedroom window closed at night when the weather is cold.
Heating and insulating your home
Keeping the heat in
Insulating your home not only keeps you warm but will also help to keep your energy costs down.
Fit draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors.
Make sure that your loft has at least 10-11 inches (270 mm) of insulation. Any home with 4 inches (100 mm) or less should have it topped up.
If you have wall cavities, make sure that they are insulated too.
Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes.
Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat generated inside your rooms.
Make sure that your radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture.
To find out more about energy efficiency visit www.gov.uk/energy-grants-calculatoror phone the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234 / Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282.
You can also find out more about support from Government on the Cost of living support webpage.
Saving money on your energy bills
Understanding your energy usage and charges is a good starting point for reducing your energy costs, if you pay for your energy via credit this information can be found in your energy bill.
Your energy bill will include; a breakdown of costs, such as daily standing charges and the cost of energy used in the period covered by the bill, tariff information and a record of your past energy usage.
Energy Saving Trust has a useful guide on understanding your energy bill.
You may also be able to get additional help with your bills:
Citizens Advice - provide free energy advice and support via email, phone, or online. Their advisors can help with what grants and benifits are available to you, as well as providing support if you have any issues with your energy supply.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 223 1133
Winter Fuel Payment - If you were born before 22 September 1959 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2025 to 2026.
Cold Weather Payment - between the 1 November and 31 March people claiming certain benefits will receive a payment of £25 if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below for 7 consecutive days. Check if you can get a payment in your area.
Warm Home Discount - this one-off payment gives eligible older and low-income consumers £150 off their energy bill.
For full details and eligibility, visit www.gov.uk/energy-grants-calculator
Cost of living support - Find out more about what support is available to help with the cost of living.
There are also lots of free or low-cost ways to save money on your energy bills. Phone the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234 / Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282.
Energy saving tips for your home
Some of these energy-saving tips may seem obvious but they can make a big difference when it comes to reducing your fuel bill.
Set your heating to come on just before you get up and switch off after you've gone to bed. If it's very cold, set your heating to come on earlier and turn off later rather than turning the thermostat up.
If you can't heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room throughout the day and your bedroom just before you go to bed. Remember to close curtains and shut doors to keep heat in the rooms you use most.
Consider adding draught excluders to maximise the heat in the house and minimise draughts and cold getting in.
If your heating system uses storage heaters, make sure that they are set up in the most efficient way possible. You can use this guide to do so.