Keep Warm Keep Well is a national campaign to reduce cold-related illness and deaths during winter. You'll find information and advice here about how to stay well in winter by keeping warm.
We are more likely to catch a cold or flu during winter. Cold weather can also cause other serious health problems like pneumonia. It is essential to keep warm in winter and there are some simple things you can do to keep warm and stay healthy.
Keep warm at home
During the day:
set your thermostat at around 21ºC (70ºF) and 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 and
heat your bedroom before going to bed
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, rather than turn the thermostat up, set the heating to come on earlier so you won't be cold while you wait for your home to heat up
During the night:
try to keep a temperature of above 18°C (65°F) in your bedroom overnight
if you use a fire or heater in your bedroom during winter, open the window or door a little at night for ventilation
an electric blanket or a hot water bottle will help you keep warm but never use them 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
if you use an electric blanket make sure it is safe to use by getting it tested every three years. The Fire Brigade, Trading Standards and Age Concern can test your electric blanket for safety
Dress well:
wear plenty of thin layers, rather than one thick one
put on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots when you go outside
wear clothes made of wool, cotton, or fleecy synthetic fibres
stay warm in bed with bed socks, thermal underwear and a nightcap or headscarf
Other useful links:
Keep Warm Keep Well- A guide for people Over 60
Keep Warm Keep Well- A guide for families
Keep Warm Keep Well- A guide for with disabilities or long-term conditions
Keep Warm Keep Well- Easy Read Guide
For advice on reducing your energy bills and information about financial support available, click here
Last updated: 23/10/2009