Keep warm and well this winter - Top tips
As the colder weather draws in its important to be prepared. We have collected some of our top tips to help you stay warm and well this winter.
Keeping your home warm
It's important that you test your heating and make sure it's working correctly. This means any problems can be resolved, which should help to avoid any loss of heating or hot water when you need it most. Please check that your boiler has had ots annual service and that your home is ready for the cold weather. If you have not had a gas check in he last year, please contact our repairs team on tel: 01274 257003.
Some top tips include;
- Keeping your bedroom window closed at night.
- Running your central heating for 20-30 minutes to check that all radiators are heating up as expected.
- Making sure you know how your thermostat and radiator valves work.
Taking care of yourself
There's lots you can do to help yourself stay warm and healthy at home or out and about.
Some top tips include;
- Wearing hats, scarves and gloves when you go out.
- Eating regulary helps to keep energy levels up during the winter.
- Keeping a mixture of salt and sand handy to put on steps or paths in the icy weather.
- Not delaying getting treatment for minor winter ailments like colds or sore throats. Visit your local pharmacist for advice on treatment before it gets worse so you can recover.
Being prepared
Do you know waht to do in an emergency? You can help yourself by getting your home ready for winter.
Some top tips include;
- Storing emergency and useful contact numbers in your phone.
- Getting information and reporting power cuts in your local area by calling tel: 105.
- Helping to prevent condensation and mould in your home by keeping your home well ventilated if you're drying washing indoors, cooking and using ther shower.
Repairs
Make sure you know your responsibilities when it comes to repairs in your home. If we're called out to your home for a repair which isn't an emergency, there will be a charge. Emergencies are defects which put your health, safety and security at risk. We aim to attend to emergency repairs within 24 hours from the time they are reported to us.
Some top tips include;
- Asking to be put on the priority services register by your utility company. This includes regular meter readings by them, bills via phone, larger writing or in braille.
- Letting us know about any health problems or disabilities in your household, so we can update your records and respond to calls and emergencies appropriatelly.
Download and find more top tips in our Keep warm and well this winter guide.
Some useful website links to resources can be found below;
- Flu - Not only is flu unpleasant, but it can also cause serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. You are more at risk if you have a long-term health condition, are older, or are pregnant. Contact your GP or pharmacist if you think you, or someone you care for, might qualify for a free flu jab. The NHS website provides information about flu. Visit www.nhs.uk/flu to learn more
- You may be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home.Grants include the Winter Fuel Payment and the Cold Weather Payment. For more information visit;