PHA issues cold weather advice ahead of yellow snow and ice warning in Northern Ireland

The Public Health Agency (PHA) in Northern Ireland issued public health advice on 3 January 2025 for people to look after themselves and others following a yellow warning for snow and ice that week¹. The agency set out guidance on heating the home, preventing falls in icy conditions and winter vaccination¹.

Dr Anna Cullen, a public health doctor at the PHA, said vulnerable and older people can find it difficult to get out to the shops or to keep their house adequately heated, putting them at risk¹. The PHA advised heating the main living room to around 18-21ºC (64-70ºF) and the rest of the house to at least 16ºC (61ºF), heating all the rooms used in the day, and, where not all rooms can be heated, keeping the living room warm throughout the day¹. It said heating should be safe and the house properly ventilated to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and advised installing an audible carbon monoxide alarm, checking an existing one is working because such alarms have a limited life span¹. It also advised never using an electric blanket and hot water bottle together because of the risk of electrocution, wearing bed socks and thermal underwear at night, and eating well with hot meals and drinks regularly through the day¹.

On falls, the PHA said that every year in Northern Ireland 1 in 3 over-65s and around half of over 85s will fall at least once, and that for many this can mean extended time in hospital with a long-term impact on independence¹. It urged carers and neighbours of people who may be less mobile to offer a hand before the cold snap, which could mean picking up essentials such as food, gas or electricity top-ups, or repeat prescriptions before the weather gets worse¹. The PHA said anyone worried about a relative or older neighbour should contact their local council, and pointed to help and support from the charity Age NI¹.

On vaccination, the PHA said that every winter in Northern Ireland people die or are hospitalised from respiratory illnesses such as seasonal flu, COVID-19 and RSV, and that those in an eligible group can get vaccinated via their GP practice, a participating community pharmacy or HSC Trust vaccination clinic¹. For travel, it advised consulting the Met Office for travel conditions when considering a journey in bad weather, and being prepared for bad weather conditions if driving is necessary¹.

Why it matters for households

The advice applies to households in Northern Ireland during the yellow warning for snow and ice in the week from 3 January 2025¹. The PHA identifies older and vulnerable people as most at risk, including those who find it hard to get out to the shops or to heat their home adequately, and people with reduced mobility who face a higher risk of falls in icy conditions¹. The agency's guidance covers indoor heating temperatures, carbon monoxide safety, night-time warmth, food and drink, and vaccination for eligible groups¹. It also sets out who to contact for help, naming local councils and Age NI¹. The PHA advises checking the Met Office for travel conditions before a journey in bad weather¹. The Met Office warning itself, including its start and end times and the areas covered, has not been reported in the PHA advice; the agency refers only to a yellow warning for snow and ice "this week"¹. The background to warning levels is set out in the guide to Met Office weather warnings, and household preparation is covered in getting your home ready for cold weather and ice and storms, snow and ice. Health risks and who is most at risk are covered in staying well in cold weather, and avoiding slips is covered in walking on ice.

What happens next

The PHA advice is dated 3 January 2025 and refers to a yellow warning for snow and ice that week¹. No further dated steps, such as an end time for the warning or a later update from the agency, have been reported in the advice¹.