Cold weather

Health impacts of cold weather#

Even moderately cold weather increases the risk of illness and death. In fact, more deaths are linked to moderate cold than to heat or extreme cold, and more deaths occur during the colder months than in summer.

Cold weather increases the risk of illness and death from coughs, lung and heart problems, falls, poor mental health and carbon monoxide poisoning.

During periods of cold weather, make sure that you and the people you care for stay warm, well and safe. Check on older neighbors, friends and relatives, especially those living alone or with a health condition, to see how you can help. Make sure they have plenty of food, any medication they might need, and can get out and about.

Keep your home warm#

• If you are aged 65 years or over, or you have low mobility or a health condition, heat your home to at least 18°C (64.4°F).
• If you cannot heat all the rooms you use, heat the living spaces during the day and your bedroom just before you go to sleep.
• Babies need to sleep in a room kept between about 16°C and 20°C (61–68°F). For more on safe infant sleeping, speak with your health provider.
• Close windows, curtains and blinds at night to keep heat in.
• Seal any gaps that let in drafts, especially around doors and windows, and insulate walls and ceilings where you can.
• Have your gas heater serviced and tested every 2 years by a licensed gas fitter to prevent carbon monoxide leakage.
• If you are not on mains gas or electricity, make sure you have enough alternative fuel so you do not run out during the cold months.

Look after your health#

Lower temperatures can increase your risk of:

• heart attack
• stroke
• flu
• pneumonia
• hypothermia
• injuries from falls

Over the colder months, ask your doctor about the flu vaccine. Vaccination is generally recommended for groups at higher risk of severe illness, such as older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions. Even if you are not in one of these groups, you can still arrange a flu shot through your doctor, and pharmacies can also vaccinate adults. See your doctor if you feel unwell, especially if you are older or have another medical condition.

Dress for the weather and keep moving#

• Layer your clothing, both indoors and out. Cotton, wool and fleecy fibers retain heat well.
• Wear well-fitting footwear with a good grip to prevent slips, especially when outside.
• When indoors, get up and move around at least every hour or so.
• If walking is difficult, do some foot and arm exercises in your chair.
• Make yourself a hot drink to help keep warm.
• If it is difficult for you to go out, make sure you have a supply of the medication you need.
• Build some regular exercise into your week. It is good for you year-round and helps keep you warm in winter.

Eat well and stay connected#

Eat well over winter. Tinned and frozen vegetables count too. Keep up your social contacts and get out of the house when you can to see friends or shop.

Heating and safety#

Heating your home keeps you warm and well, but it is not without risks. To heat your home safely:

• Make sure you have working smoke detectors outside each sleeping area. Test them monthly and change the batteries once a year.
• Have gas space heaters, water heaters and central heaters serviced by a licensed gas fitter every 2 years; they will also test for carbon monoxide spillage.
• Make sure fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, chimneys and flues are serviced regularly to prevent accidental fires.
• Do not block flues or chimneys, even if they are drafty, as they allow carbon monoxide to escape.
• Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm that meets a recognized safety standard in any room with a gas fuel-burning appliance, and test it regularly.
• Never bring appliances designed for outdoor use inside your home or caravan. This includes portable heaters, patio heaters, BBQs and LPG-powered lights.
• Do not use gas hotplates or ovens to heat your home; it is inefficient and carries a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

When using heaters:

• Keep clothing, curtains or toys at least one meter away.
• Keep rooms well ventilated, and stop using faulty appliances immediately.
• Use safety guards around heaters.
• Do not overload power boards by plugging in too many appliances.
• Do not leave heaters on overnight or for long periods if they are not needed.
• If you have central heating, set the timer to come on earlier and turn off later rather than turning up the thermostat.

Other safety tips:

• Use microwavable heat packs (for adults) rather than hot water bottles to reduce the risk of scalds.
• If you use an electric blanket, use it only as instructed, do not leave it on for more than 30 minutes, and have it tested every 3 years.
• Never use a hot water bottle together with an electric blanket.

Heat your home as efficiently as you can#

• Close curtains at dusk to keep the heat in, and make sure heaters are not covered by furniture or curtains.
• If you have central heating, install a timer or programmable thermostat, and set it to come on just before you get up and switch off after you have gone to bed.
• If it is very cold, set your heating to come on earlier and turn off later rather than turning the thermostat up. For other types of heating, turn them off before bed and do not leave them on for long periods.
• Draft-proof your home by sealing gaps and cracks around windows, doors, skirting boards, architraves and exhaust fans. However, do not use gas appliances until they have been tested by a licensed gas fitter for carbon monoxide spillage, as inadequate ventilation can make a gas installation unsafe.
• Zone your home and heat just the areas you use, such as the living areas during the day and the bedroom in the evening.
• Insulate your walls and ceilings. Check what type of ceiling insulation you have and top it up if it is less than 50 mm thick.
• Maintain your heating system: keep vents and filters clean, check for leaks, and service it as recommended by the manufacturer.
• If you are installing a new heating system or buying a new heater, choose energy-efficient options that are the right size for your home or the room you want to heat.

Financial support#

Heating can be costly. Check whether you are eligible for any energy concessions or financial help that may be available where you live, and consider using an independent energy price comparison to make sure you are getting the best deal. If you rent, remember that landlords are generally responsible for keeping the property in good repair, including any gas and electrical appliances they provide.

Key points#

• Even moderately cold weather raises the risk of illness and death, including heart and lung problems, falls and carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Have gas heaters serviced and tested every 2 years by a licensed gas fitter to prevent carbon monoxide leakage.
• Look after your health over the colder months, keep moving, dress warmly and wear footwear with good grip to prevent slips.
• Heating keeps you warm and well, but use appliances safely and keep rooms ventilated.
• Check on older neighbors, friends and relatives during cold weather.

Where to get help#