Cold weather advice

Very cold weather can pose a serious health risk to the very young, very old or those with health problems. To help reduce the risk of health problems, the Council advises people to:

• Draw their curtains and keep doors closed to reduce drafts and keep heat in;

• Make sure they have at least one hot meal a day;

• Drink plenty of hot drinks;

• Move about regularly or, if you’re not so mobile, have a warm blanket or shawl to hand to wrap up in while you watch the telly;

• Wear several layers of light clothing rather than just one coat or jumper (layering helps trap warm air close to the body);

• Wear clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy fabrics, where possible;

• Wear a hat and/or scarf if you’re chilly around the house – it might sound daft, but a lot of heat is lost through the head and neck! 

“A lot of these cold weather tips might seem like common sense but they’re worth remembering since cold weather can be the cause of so many serious health problems,” said Cllr Angie Bean, Waltham Forest’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Older People. 

“Since we’ve had a relatively mild winter so far the coming cold spell might take some people by surprise, so if you have an elderly friend, neighbour or relative who you think might be at risk please keep an eye on them or, better still, invite them round for supper and a cup of tea.”