Keep safe and warm during winter with our tips and information.
Keep your home warm home during the day
Heat your main living room to around 18-21°C (64-70°F) and the rest of the house to at least 16°C (61°F). 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, set the heating to come on earlier, rather than turn the thermostat up. This means you won’t be cold while you wait for your home to heat up.
A warm home at night
Try to keep the temperature above 18°C (65°F) in your bedroom overnight. Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off and unplug blankets before you go to bed. Get your electric blanket tested every three years for safety.
Keep warm by dressing warmly
Wear plenty of thin layers rather than one thick one, and don’t forget to 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. Wear bed socks and thermal underwear at night.
Eat well
Eating regular meals will help keep your energy levels up during winter, have plenty of hot food and drinks and keep your diet as varied as possible.
Stay active
Exercise can keep you warm in winter. If possible, try to move around at least once an hour.
