Staying safe in all weather conditions

There are many factors that may affect our health during cold weather and throughout the winter. Please read on to find information about the various things that you can do to protect yourself, and the support options available to you.

Here are five things that the NHS recommends during the winter:

• Make sure you get your flu vaccination
• Make sure you get your COVID-19 vaccinations -this is important year round
• Take advantage of schemes and discounts to help you pay for heating and other bills
• Contact NHS 111 online or by phone if you are worried about any symptoms (but always call 999 in an emergency)
• Look out for other people who may need a bit of extra help over the winter, including babies, children, rough sleepers, older people and people with dementia

More on the NHS website.

COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone over the age of five years old (until 30 June). To find out more information and to find out if you are eligible for a booster vaccination, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine page.

Find out if you qualify for a free flu vaccine through the NHS, and how to get one, visit the flu vaccine page on the NHS website.

It’s safe to have both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time, however, if you are eligible for a booster COVID-19 vaccine, it may not be possible to provide the flu vaccine within the same appointment.

If you are a carer for an elderly and/or disabled person, you should consider getting your free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to protect those you care for and yourself.

If you are aged 65 or over, or have a long-term health condition, you may also be eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine, which will help protect you from pneumonia.

Cold weather advice

Keep your home warm:

• contact Green Doctors for advice on 0300 365 3005 or visit the Green Doctors page, also contact City Advice - 020 7392 2919 - for help with bills and money. You can also visit our help with the cost of living web page.
• heat your home to at least 18°C
• fit draught proofing, loft insulation and other insultation in areas where heat may be lost (Green Doctors may be able to do this for you)
• get your heating system and cooking appliances checked and keep your home well ventilated
• use an electric blanket (as instructed and get it tested every three years) – never use a hot water bottle with an electric blanket
• draw your curtains at dusk to keep the heat in
• make sure your radiators are not blocked by furniture
• don't use a gas cooker or oven to heat your home; it is inefficient and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and this can kill
• make sure you have a supply of heating oil or LPG or solid fuel if you are not on mains gas or electricity – to make sure you do not run out in winter

Keep yourself warm:

• have plenty of hot food and drinks
• aim to include five portions of fruits and vegetables each day
• stock up on tinned and frozen food so you don't have to go out when it's too cold
• exercise
• try to move at least once per hour
• wear a lot of thin layers, preferably cotton, wool or fleece - this is better than wearing one thick layer
• wear good-fitting slippers indoors and shoes with a good grip oudoors to avoid slipping
• make sure you have enough medication so you don't have to go out when it's too cold
• check if you can be added to the Priority Services Register (Green Doctors - 0300 365 3005 - can help with this)

A warm welcome from our libraries

Our Barbican and Community libraries provide a warm welcome to all. Come in and spend some time with us, read a book, paper, magazine, and take a look at our various exhibitions. You will find all sorts of information and computer terminals for public use as well as support with form filling and basic IT skills help. Find our libraries by visiting the Libraries page.

Warm Spaces in the City of London

'Warm Spaces' provide a place for everyone to come for warmth, activities and community in a friendly, non-judgemental way that welcomes all.

Find a warm space near you.

Streets and highways

If you are concerned about road safety and gritting you can find information on our winter maintenance page.

Many of us look forward to the lighter, warmer summer days all year round however, hot weather and the sun can lead to ill health.

There are some important considerations for our health and wellbeing that are helpful to remember when we’re enjoying the nicer weather. Some of us are more vulnerable to heat-related issues than others, including:

• Older people, especially those aged over 75
• Babies and young children
• People living on their own
• People with a serious or long-term illness, or with a drug or alcohol addiction
• Those who may find it hard to keep themselves cool, including babies and very young children, people who are bed-bound or who have serious mental health conditions
• People who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places, for example if they work outside or live in a top-floor flat
• Pets

Here are some things that you can do to stay on top of the hot weather and protect yourself and others from heat exhaustion, sunburn and dehydration.

Top tips for staying well in hot weather:

• check weather forecasts
• plan ahead
• make plans at cooler times of the day and avoid the sun between 11am to 3pm where possible
• drink plenty of water and avoid too much alcohol - find our clean water refill points on our City map
• wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
• slow down and cool down with water
• close blinds and curtains at home during the day
• seek shade and go indoors or outdoors, whichever is coolest - find cool spaces on our City map and the Cool Spaces London map
• avoid sitting in stationary cars and other enclosed spaces
• watch out for heat-related illness
• take care of others that may need help including babies, children, rough sleepers, older people and people with dementia
• stay safe when swimming
• call NHS 111 if you are worried about ill health or 999 in an emergency

More information on Gov.uk's Beat the Heat and the NHS website.

Strong winds and gales can cause damage to your belongings but they can also be a danger to health.

What you should do during strong winds:

• Stay indoors where possible
• If you do go out don't walk or seek shelter close to buildings and trees
• Do not drive unless your journey is essential and if you do, take extra care. If you must travel, pack warm clothing, food, water, a blanket and a torch
• Prepare for powercuts, have in tinned food, a radio and a torch.
• Secure any loose belongings that are in gardens and balconies