Cold weather plan to prepare for winter

Photo: Journeaux

Cold Weather Plan to prepare for winter

Ways of avoiding unnecessary deaths and illness this winter are set out in a new document published by Public Health England (PHE).

The Cold Weather Plan for England was drawn up in collaboration with the Department of Health, NHS England and the Local Government Association (LGA) with alerts starting tomorrow (1 November).

There are on average around 3,000 ‘excess winter deaths’ per year in the North West, many of which are preventable.

The plan aims to prevent illness by alerting people to the negative effects of cold weather on health and enabling them to prepare and respond appropriately. The emphasis of this year’s plan is on long-term planning and winter action and preparedness.

The emphasis of this year’s plan is on long term planning and winter action and preparedness (levels 0 and 1). There are several interventions local authorities, the NHS, individuals and communities can do to help prevent cold-related illnesses, before cold weather sets in. These include having your flu vaccination if you are in a risk group, ensuring homes are properly insulated, and making sure heating systems are routinely checked.

As in previous years, the Met Office will trigger cold weather alerts from 1 November to 31 March on the basis of either low temperatures of 2°C or less, or severe winter weather (heavy snow or widespread ice).

The five levels in the cold weather alert system are:

•  Level 0 (long term planning) 
• Level 1 (winter preparedness and action) 
• Level 2 (severe winter weather is forecast - average temperature of 2°C or lower is predicted within 48 hours, with 60% confidence) 
• Level 3 (response to severe winter weather - average temperature of 2°C or lower is occurring) 
• Level 4 (major incident, declared by central government)

Professor Martyn Regan, Centre Director for the Greater Manchester PHE Centre said: “In colder weather, keeping yourself warm is essential to staying healthy, especially for the very young, older people or those with a chronic condition such as heart disease and asthma. There are a range of health problems associated with cold housing and winter weather, but in particular, a cold indoor or outdoor environment can make heart and respiratory problems worse, and can be fatal.

“This is why the Cold Weather Plan sets out a series of actions that health and social care organisations, voluntary groups, and individuals can take and plan for cold temperatures to help reduce cold-related illnesses and deaths.”

Dr Kate Ardern, Greater Manchester Lead Director of Public Health for Emergency Planning and Health protection said “We really welcome the publication of the Cold Weather Plan as preparation is key to protecting yourself and your loved ones during cold weather. Although we cannot predict whether we’ll have the kind of severe cold snaps we’ve experienced in recent years, its vital that we make preparations to reduce their impact on the health and well-being of local communities, especially vulnerable people, should they occur.”

Top tips for keeping warm and well this winter:

• Keep warm by setting your heating to the right temperature (18-21°C)
• Have your flu jab to protect yourself and others from influenza, if in an eligible group 
• Look out for friends, relatives and neighbours who may be vulnerable to the cold
• Stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with supplies
• Have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day and keep active to help your body stay warm 
• Get financial support to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills
• Have your heating and cooking appliances checked regularly
• Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer, and when you need to go outside wear shoes with slip resistant, good grip soles.