Updates - Keeping warm and reporting emergency repairs

Please report emergency repairs by telephoning 0845 117 0020.
If you have an emergency repair outside of our opening hours, please call 01670 545194 between the hours of 5.00 pm & 08.30 am.

Keep warm indoors and out
Several thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer as the layers trap warm air. Clothes made from wool‚ cotton and fleecy synthetic fibres are a good choice. Start with thermal underwear‚ warm tights or socks. Always wear gloves and a hat when you go out.
When sitting down indoors‚ keep a shawl or blanket handy in case you feel cold. Try and keep your feet up as the air is cooler at ground level.
Wear warm clothes in bed. When very cold wear thermal underwear‚ bed socks and even a hat - a lot of heat is lost through your head! Use a hot-water bottle or an electric blanket to warm the bed (but it's not safe to use both together).
Don't sit or stand outside for long periods as you'll quickly get cold.
Choose boots with non-slip soles and a warm lining or wear thermal socks. This keeps your feet warm and keeps you safe if the ground is slippy.
Keep steps and paths ice free. Sprinkle them with a mixture of salt and sand if the ground is icy. Consider fitting a grab rail if you have several steps at your front or back door.

Keeping your home warm
Most of us spend a lot of time indoors in winter. It is important that you are comfortable and safe.
The recommended temperature for rooms you use during the day is 21ºC (70ºF). You might prefer a higher temperature in your living room and want to warm your bedroom before you go to bed.
Get to know how the timer and thermostat on your heating system work. If it's very cold‚ set the timer to switch the heating on earlier rather than turning the thermostat up to warm your house quickly.
Close the curtains and fit thermal linings if you can. This will help keep the heat in.
Don't block up air vents as fires and heaters need ventilation. Good ventilation also helps prevent condensation.

Eat well
Eat at least one hot meal and have hot drinks during the day. Hot meals and drinks help keep you warm. Include a good range of foods in your diet and aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Remember frozen vegetables are as good as fresh. Having a hot drink before bed and taking a flask to bed are good ideas too.
Keep moving
Keeping active generates heat and so helps to keep you warm. It's good for general fitness and well-being too. So when indoors‚ try not to sit for more than an hour. Get up and walk around‚ make yourself a warm drink‚ spread chores throughout the day. Chair-based exercises and simply moving your arms and legs and wiggling your toes are helpful if walking is difficult.

For more advice on keeping warm this winter, please contact Age Concern on
0845 140 0088

Last Updated: Kerrie Slavin - Isos Corporate Services (8 January 2010)