As we head into autumn it is important to get yourself ready for the winter and make sure you are ready for the arrival of any cold snap:
Check your heating works (which we first advised in August).
Make sure you have lots of thin layers that you can wear on top of each other. You can also get an ‘Oodie’ which is a giant over-blanket that you can wear to keep you warm inside your home.
Get a really warm hat, scarf and gloves. If your heating breaks down you can always wear these inside.
Drink lots of hot drinks, and have soups and stews for lunch and dinner.
If you are tempted to use a hot water bottle, be sure to check it for holes as they can perish over time and you don’t want boiling water leaking on you. They have a daisy on them to determine when it was made. The inside number is the year and the outer segments represent the month. If you’ve had it for more than three years you should consider replacing it.
If you are mobile, keep moving, as that always keeps you warmer.
Some Age UK offices run a Warm Homes programme. See if there is one in your area here
If you are on the Priority Services Register (for those over 60, those with young children and those with disabilities) and you have no heating due to a power cut or gas emergency, they can help you remain warm and able to cook with temporary appliances. Find out more here.
Don’t suffer from the cold; contact your energy company or social services for more help.
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