Cold weather warning for South and the South East from the MET office

Monday, 30 January 2012

The MET office has advised that there is a 100% likelihood of severe cold weather in the East of England and the South East. It is estimated that in Britain, 8000 more elderly people will die every time the temperature drops 1 degree below average. 

Residential and Care Homes, NHS, Social Care, Community Staff

Contact all those at risk by phone or visit to check that they are keeping sufficiently warm to keep well.  The government advises that the main living room should be heated to around 18-21°C (64-70°F) and the rest of the house to at least 16°C (61°F) with bedrooms kept warm overnight at above 18°C (65°F). 

Individuals, Families and Carers

Where possible, set your day-time room temperature to 21°C (70°F) and bedroom night temperature to at least 18°C (64°F); dress warmly and eat well.

Communities

Check those you know are vulnerable to ensure they are keeping warm and well.

What to do if you are concerned that a vulnerable person is not warm enough

Please take any practical measures you can to increase the ambient temperature bearing in mind health and safety considerations