The British Red Cross published advice for households on staying warm this winter on 19 December 2022, as freezing temperatures continued across the UK1. The charity said the guidance covers keeping yourself warm, keeping your house warm, staying warm at night, finding a warm space and getting help with energy bills1.
The charity said the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) had issued and extended a level three cold weather alert for all of England that month1. It said bodies need to be kept at a core temperature of 37C to stay healthy, and that rooms should be at least 18C1. It added that winter poses a particular risk for people with respiratory or heart conditions, because cold air makes it harder for them to breathe and makes the heart work harder to keep the body warm1.
The published advice includes wearing plenty of layers of clothes, eating well and drinking plenty of hot drinks, and moving around regularly1. It also covers opening curtains in the morning and closing them when the sun sets, using a draught excluder, and avoiding condensation on windows1. At night it suggests extra bedding, heated blankets, thick pyjamas and hot water bottles1. It also points to finding a warm hub and to getting support from governments, energy companies and civic society with energy bills1.
Chris Davies, Head of Crisis Response at the British Red Cross, said:
"We understand that for some, even following all these steps won't be enough to stay warm. That's why we're signposting the help available for those struggling."
The charity said its national support line would operate from Monday to Friday, 10am to 12pm midday, with a voicemail facility and callbacks within business hours up to 5pm1. It said the line is there for practical tips on staying warm or for emotional support1.
Why it matters for households
The advice was issued during a level three cold weather alert for all of England and a cold snap with freezing temperatures across the UK1. The charity said the ongoing cost of living crisis made it much harder for people to keep themselves and their homes warm that winter1. Its guidance is aimed at households generally, and it notes that for some people following all the steps will not be enough to stay warm, which is why it signposts help with energy bills1. The charity's stated indoor minimum is 18C, with a core body temperature of 37C needed to stay healthy1. Households that heat with oil can find related guidance in the site's heating and cooking hub and its page on heating oil tanks through winter.
What happens next
No further dates were given. The support line hours stated at publication were Monday to Friday, 10am to 12pm midday, with voicemail and callbacks up to 5pm on business days1.
Sources (1)
- British Red Cross advice for staying warm in winter, redcross.org.uk
