SWASFT winter top tips and advice
Tips to help people keep themselves and others safe during the winter months:
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Take up the opportunity for flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations when offered to protect yourself and others.
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Look out for any vulnerable family or friends – is there anything you can do to help them? Are there any hazards in their homes? Do their slippers need replacing?
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Wear appropriate shoes when outside especially during icy weather. We typically see an increase in slips and trips during colder spells.
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Heat homes to at least 18C (65F). You might prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer.
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Keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can and reduce drafts. If you’re under 65, healthy and active, you can safely have your home cooler than 18C, as long as you’re comfortable.
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Keep active even when you’re indoors. Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so.
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Wear several layers of light clothes. They trap warm air better than one bulky layer.
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Check your home medicines cabinet – is everything in date? Restock with essentials including cold remedies, pain killers, indigestion tablets and diarrhoea and constipation remedies.
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Keep up to date with any repeat prescriptions you or your family or friends need – especially ahead of weekends and bank holidays.
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When was the last time your vehicle was serviced? If your car is safer, so are you.
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Carry some useful items in your vehicles such as a blanket and a spade for colder and possible snowy weather.
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Wear bright colours at night. Can you be clearly seen as a pedestrian or cyclist? If walking at dusk or at night use a torch.
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You should only call 999 in the event of a life-threatening or serious emergency.
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People who are not facing a serious emergency should make alternative arrangements such seeking advice from a GP or pharmacist so we can focus on those who need us most. If its urgent but not an emergency, you can call NHS 111 or seek advice from 111 online.