Keeping warm during adverse weather

The following advice can help you keep warm at home:

the best way to keep warm is by wearing multi-layers of clothing and to wear a hat and gloves, even indoors;
heat your main living room to around 18-21ºC (64-70ºF) and the rest of the house to at least 16ºC (61ºF);
heat all the rooms you use in the day;
if you can’t heat all your rooms, make sure you keep your living room warm throughout the day;
It is important to make sure your heating is safe and that your house is propery ventilated, to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If your electric is working:

set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed;
in very cold weather set the heating to come on earlier, rather than turn the thermostat up, so you won’t be cold while you wait for your home to heat up;
never use an electric blanket and hot water bottle together as you could electrocute yourself;
if you have an electric blanket, check what type it is – some are designed only to warm the bed before you get in and should not to be used throughout the night;
make sure your electric blanket is safe to use by getting it tested every three years.

You can help keep warm by:

wearing plenty of thin layers, rather than one thick one;
putting on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots when you go outside;
wearing clothes made of wool, cotton, or fleecy synthetic fibers;
wearing bed socks and thermal underwear at night.

Eat Well – Food is a source of energy which helps to keep your body warm. Try and make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day.

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