Ten tips for keeping warm as freeze continues

Hot drinks are an ideal way to stay warm

Home support service provider Mears suggests a number of actions that people can take to stay comfortable without burning a hole in their pocket.

1. Make sure your home is at the right temperature, which is somewhere between 18°C and 21°C, so you can keep warm and keep your bills as low as possible. Turn the heating down in the rooms that are not in regular use.

2. Shut the doors to any rooms that you don’t use. This will provide another barrier between you and the cold weather outside and will reduce heat loss.

3. Wear several thin layers rather than just one thick one, as the layers trap warm air close to the body, and this will also make it easier to control your temperature.

4. Close your curtains as soon as it becomes dark to stop the heat escaping and any draughts coming in.

5. If you’re entitled to a free flu jab (which includes those aged 65 or over), make sure you get it.

6. Ask your energy provider if they have special rates for the elderly and check to see if you qualify for any benefits to help pay for extra heating in winter.

7. A shawl or blanket will provide extra warmth if you’re sitting down, and you should also try to keep your

feet up because air is colder at ground level.

8. Avoid placing large pieces of furniture in front of your radiators. This means that hot air can circulate more freely.

9. Wrap up warm in bed, and when it’s really cold, wear thermal underwear and socks, and think about investing in a duvet with a higher tog rating.

10. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can.

Arlene McHugh, service manager for Mears in Motherwell, said: “We want to ensure that the older people in our community, and people with medical conditions that are affected by temperature, are aware of the simple things they can do to stay warm.

“We also hope that our tips might encourage people to pop in to see their elderly or housebound neighbours, just to check that they’re ok and to provide a bit of company during the winter days.”