Stay well this winter

Staying warm at home

Tips and advice

As the weather gets colder, it can increase the risk of catching colds and flu.

We're helping you stay warm and well with a range of top tips and advice, to keep you active and healthy this winter.

These tips can help keep you warm and well at home over the colder months:

  • If you're not very mobile, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease, heat your home to at least 18C
  • Keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can and keep the bedroom window closed
  • Babies: to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), babies should sleep in rooms heated to between 16C and 20C
  • Draw curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to block out draughts
  • Make sure you get your heating system checked regularly by a qualified professional
  • Have an elderly neighbour? Pop by and check their heating is working, and if they need any groceries or medicines from the shops
  • Heading outside? Always wear a hat or scarf, particularly during the colder months in December and January
  • Wear gloves or keep your hands in your pockets if you're outside for a long time. This helps to keep your hands warm to help with your blood circulation
  • Only go outside at night if absolutely necessary and add an extra layer of clothing because freezing temperatures can put vulnerable people at risk of illness
  • Make sure you have the essential medication at home including cold, flu and sore throat remedies
  • Keep moving indoors with little exercises like moving your feet up and down. If you're outdoors, make sure you keep moving your arms and legs to create body heat
  • Eating warmer foods like soups, curries and stews help give you energy to stay active and keep your body warm
  • Make sure you have hot drinks during the day. Fruit teas can give you extra energy.

Kent Fire and Rescue provide safe and well visits for Medway residents. These visits include testing, fitting and relocating smoke alarms as well as looking out for potential fire hazards and planning escape routes.

Kent Fire and Rescue staff talk in front of a fire engine,

Find out more and book a Kent Fire and Rescue safe and well visit

These tips can help keep you warm and well at home while also helping to reduce your energy bills:

  • See if you're eligible for any help from the government to make your home more energy efficient
  • Find out if you could save money on your energy bills with a different provider
  • Reduce your energy use with simple hints and tips from the energy saving trust.

You can find their top ten 'quick wins' for reducing your energy use.

Staying warm at home: financial help

If you need help staying warm this winter, you may be eligible for financial help from the government.  This includes:

  • Winter fuel payment
  • Cold weather payment
  • a discount on your electricity bill with the government’s Warm Homes Discount scheme.

Warm and well booklet

Download our keep warm and well booklet for more advice on how to keep out the cold this winter.