The UK Health Security Agency has extended its Amber Cold-Weather Alert, which will remain in effect across the North East until 9:00 am on 14 January 2025. This alert highlights the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness during the ongoing cold weather conditions.
Who is at risk?
Everyone can be at risk of the effects of the cold weather, but some people are more vulnerable to becoming unwell as a result. This includes:
- people aged 65 and older
- babies and children under the age of 5
- people who have a long-term health condition
- people with a disability
- pregnant women
- people who have a mental health condition
Keeping well in the cold
Follow these tips on keeping well in the cold:
- find out if you can get the flu jab for free on the NHS
- wear several layers of clothes rather than 1 chunky layer – clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres help to maintain body heat
- try to heat the room you are in to at least 18 degrees centigrade; babies should sleep in rooms heated to between 16C and 20C.
- use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm – but don’t use both at the same time
- have at least 1 hot meal a day – eating regularly helps keep you warm
- make sure you drink six to eight mugs of liquid each day, especially warm drinks
- try not to sit still for more than an hour or so indoors – get up and stretch your legs
- stay active – even moderate exercise can help keep you warm
- wrap a scarf loosely around your mouth when outdoors – add a hat and wear shoes with a good grip, too
- if you have a heart or respiratory problem, stay indoors during very cold weather.
You can get more winter safety advice from Gateshead Council.
Warm Spaces
Some people may have difficulty heating their homes. In Gateshead there is a network of Warm Spaces, a group of places where people can come together to stay warm. Anyone is welcome at a Warm Space, everyone who comes along is treated equally, with dignity and respect.
Warm spaces are places across the public, private, health and voluntary sectors where anyone who is cold can go to get warm and enjoy a little company and some hot refreshments.
Gateshead Council has a directory of all the places available daily in the area. Anyone is welcome at a Warm Space, everyone who comes along is treated equally, with dignity and respect. www.gateshead.gov.uk/WarmSpaces
You can get more winter safety advice from Gateshead Council.
Look in on vulnerable neighbours and relatives
Check up on older neighbours and relatives, and those with heart or respiratory (breathing) problems, to make sure they are safe and well and warm enough, especially at night. It is also important to check that they have stocks of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out during very cold weather.
If you’re concerned that the person may be suffering from hypothermia, contact NHS 111.
Get advice if you feel unwell
If you’re 65 or over, or in one of the other at-risk groups, it’s important to get medical help as soon as you feel unwell.
You can get help and advice from:
- a pharmacy – pharmacists can give treatment advice for a range of minor illnesses and can tell you if you need to see a doctor
- your GP – you may be able to speak to a GP online or over the phone, or go in for an appointment if they think you need to
- NHS 111 – go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you have an urgent medical problem and you are not sure what to do
- the sooner you get advice, the sooner you’re likely to get better.
In an emergency, go to A&E immediately or call 999.