Useful Tips on Keeping Warm this Winter

• Wear several thin layers, rather than one thick layer - they trap warm air close to the body
• If possible go for clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy fabrics
• Draw your curtains, as soon as it gets dark to stop the heat escaping and draughts coming in
• Keep any windows and internal doors closed when it’s cold – this will keep heat inside, where you most need it
• A lot of heat is lost through the head and neck, so if you’re chilly indoors, try wearing a hat and scarf
• Your body keeps warm by burning food you've eaten, so make sure you have regular hot meals that contain carbs, such as potatoes, pasta, bread and rice
• Try porridge with hot milk for breakfast and soups and stews for lunch and dinner
• If you’re sitting down, a shawl or blanket will provide extra warmth
• You should also try to keep your feet up, because air is cooler at ground level
• Wear warm clothes in bed - when it’s really cold, wear thermal underwear, bed socks and even a hat

Some longer-term things you can do to help ward off the winter chill

• Have your heating system serviced and chimney swept
• Check your water stopcock is working properly
• Get a keyhole cover – it should only cost a couple of pounds and will help keep the draughts out in cold weather
• Fit thermal linings to your curtains if you can – this will also help to keep the heat in
• Check out the benefits and grants available, to help with insulation and energy efficiency, such as cavity wall insulation
• Find out more about help you could get with heating costs

Other ways to help keep the fuel bills down

• Turn off lights when you’re not in the room
• Don’t leave electrical items, like TVs and DVDs players on standby – switch them off
• Only boil as much water in a kettle as you need
• Use a 30°C programme on your washing machine
• Turn off any electrical chargers once your appliance is at full power, such as a laptop or mobile phone
• Don’t block your radiators – it cuts the heat they give out
• If you have a dishwasher, fill it fully before using it, so it’s more energy efficient

If you can afford it, try to have a store of the following in case you have trouble getting out, you’ll feel more relaxed if you stock up for the winter months

• Batteries for your smoke alarm
• Salt or sand for icy steps and pathways
• Tinned fruit and veg – it’s just as nutritious as the fresh kind
• Cold and flu medicines, as well as any repeat prescriptions
• Pasta and rice - they will last through the winter months