Keeping warm in winter - advice and support

You can keep warm in winter by eating well, keeping warm and staying active.

HeatingFireplace

  • During winter keep the central heating on or concentrate on keeping the main living area in your home to at least 21 degrees Centigrade.
  • Close your curtains at dusk to keep the heat in, and make sure they are above or behind the radiator.
  • If your gas central heating goes off suddenly when the outside temperature is very low, it may be because the condenser has frozen. Call us on 0845 277 7000 for instructions on how to defrost it.
  • We have additional information about Cold weather payments

You can refer to our Beat the Freeze leaflet for additional information.

Be a good neighbour

Keep an eye on elderly neighbours, relatives and friends. If you, or someone you know, is a vulnerable resident and are at risk as a result of the adverse weather, then please call us on 01786 471177 during office hours or 0845 277 7000 out of hours, at weekends or on public holidays.

Eating, exercise and clothing

Eat at least one hot meal each day and have regular hot drinks.

Keep active! Even simple stretching exercises in the morning helps circulation and keeps muscles supple.

Wear several layers of thin clothing as they will keep you warmer than one thick layer.

Advice for your home during winter

Information on how to protect your home during winter

Severe weather warnings

Information about our severe weather guidelines

Additional information is available from Direct.gov regarding:

Winter Fuel Payment (available for older people)
Cold weather payment (available for people in receipt of certain benefits)
Staying warm in winter

Home Energy Scotland website from the Scottish Government (providing useful information regarding free and discounted insulation, central heating offers and information regarding boiler scrappage schemes as well as providing a Home Energy check)
Keep warm, keep well brochure from UK Government

Further information…