Keeping warm in the big freeze

WITH Oldham in the midst of a big freeze, it is more important than ever to stay warm and stay healthy. Temperatures have tumbled to -11.7C (11F) at night with daytime temperatures failing to rise above freezing. Reporter BEATRIZ AYALA looks at ways stay warm and healthy.

SNOW, ice and freezing temperatures — Oldham has been hit hard by severe weather conditions affecting the whole country over the past week.

As the big freeze continues, it is more important than ever to stay well and warm.

People of all ages are more likely to catch a cold or flu during winter, and cold weather can also cause other serious health problems like pneumonia.

In light of the big freeze, government website www.direct.gov has published some simple ways for Oldhamers to keep warm and stay healthy.

During the day, the best way to keep warm at home is to set the household thermostat at around 21ºC (70ºF) and heat all the rooms you use.

If that is not possible, make sure the living room is kept 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 to 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.

If you use a fire or heater in your bedroom, 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.

Dress well, wear plenty of thin layers, rather than one thick one.

When going outside, wear a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots.

Stay warm in bed with bed socks, thermal underwear and a nightcap or headscarf.

As the cold spell keeps an icy grip on the borough, the Department of Health has launched a Keep Warm, Keep Well scheme.

The national campaign has been designed to reduce cold-related illnesses and deaths during winter.

A range of booklets, available at www.direct.gov  give tips and advice to families and older people to combat the winter chills.

Alan Higgins, director of public health for Oldham, said: “During severe weather, people should try to avoid going outside, keep warm, eat healthily, have plenty of hot drinks and generally look after themselves and others.

“If people become unwell during bad weather, it’s important that they choose the right service to ensure they get fast and effective treatment.”

Mr Higgins said Oldhamers should stock up their medicine cabinet with essential basic supplies, such as paracetamol or aspirin, thermometer and plasters.

He said Oldham’s Urgent Care Centre, located at the Oldham Integrated Care Centre, near Oldham’s bus station was open 24 hours a day to deal with minor illnesses, injuries and conditions.

And NHS Direct, which provides confidential health advice and information 24 hours a day, could be accessed by calling 0845 46 47 or visiting www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Mr Higgins said: “I would like to remind people to take extra care.

“There has been an increase in the number of people attending hospital with accidents related to the severe weather conditions.

“People also need to stay well away from frozen water.

“Finally, in severe weather, people are more likely to use additional portable heating appliances. These can cause a potential risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.”


How to cut your energy bills
::Close curtains at night.

::Switch off appliances properly and don’t leave them on standby

::Use energy-efficient light bulbs and try to remember to switch the lights off every time you leave a room.

::Boil only the water you need rather than filling the kettle completely

::Cover pots and pans when cooking as they will boil a lot quicker

::Cook several different foods on one ring with a steamer

::Using a microwave rather than a conventional oven to heat up a small amount of food could save you energy

::Washing clothes at 30c can be just as effective.

::Run your washing machine or dishwasher with full loads

::Avoid tumble drying.




Residents could be eligible for financial help with heating bills and for home improvements.



Warm Front is a Government-funded initiative that provides a package of home insulation and heating improvements.

And residents may be eligible for energy saving offers from energy companies.

Households can now take advantage of the government’s new boiler scrappage scheme, which pays people £400 towards the cost of replacing an old inefficient boiler with a new one.

Visit www.direct.gov  for more information about the Keep Warm, Keep Well campaign.

For more information about the Warm Front Scheme call 0800 316 2805 or visit www.warmfront.co.uk  

For more details about the boiler scrappage scheme visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk