Stay warm and well this winter   

As with the last two years, it is quite possible that we will see some snow and ice again this year. During this time, elderly or vulnerable neighbours may find it difficult to get out or maybe struggling with the cold. Please look out for each other and if you haven’t seen or heard someone that you normally would, check on them, as they may need your help.

Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health problems like pneumonia. There are some simple things you can do to keep warm, stay healthy and make the best use of your heating at home.  

If you are over 60, disabled or on a low income you may be able to get financial help with heating your home. You may also be able to get benefits that help you make home improvements, like insulation. Find out about the schemes available, and if you are eligible at www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity or contact Wirral Borough Council on 0151 638 7070.  

Currently, if you are a British Gas customer, they are currently offering a free insulation survey and installation if required.   Contact your British Gas advisor for details.  

A warm home during the day  

To keep warm at home during the day try to 

· heat your main living room to around 18-21°C (64-70°F) and the rest of the house to at least 16°C (61°F)  

· heat all the rooms you use in the day   

· make sure you keep your living area warm throughout the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed  

· set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed  

In very cold weather, set the heating to come on earlier, rather than turn the thermostat up. This means you won’t be cold while you wait for your home to heat up.  

A warm home at night  

To keep safe and warm at home during the night you should:  

·  try to keep the temperature above 18°C (65°F) in your bedroom overnight 

· open the window or door a little at night for ventilation if you use a fire or heater in your bedroom during winter  

· never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off  

· unplug electric blankets before you go to bed, unless they have a thermostat control for safe all-night use   

· get your electric blanket tested every three years for safety – Age UK or your local fire and rescue service may be able to do this for you  

You can help keep warm by: 

· wearing plenty of thin layers, rather than one thick one  

· putting on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots when you go outside  

· wearing clothes made of wool, cotton or fleecy synthetic fibres  

· wearing bed socks and thermal underwear at night 

There are things you can do that will reduce the risk of illness and protect you against the cold:  

Get an annual flu jab  

You can get a free jab if you:  

·have serious heart, lung or kidney disease or diabetes  

· have a weak immune system, caused by disease or medical treatment 

·have had a stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack) 

· are aged 65 years or over 

·are pregnant  

Contact your GP or talk to your pharmacist if you think you might qualify for a free flu jab.  

Eat well  

Eating regular meals will help keep your energy levels up during winter. Try to

 ·have plenty of hot food and drinks  

·plan your meals and keep your diet as varied as possible  

·aim to include five portions of fruit and vegetables daily – this can include tinned and frozen fruit and vegetables  

Stay active  

Exercise is good for your overall health and it can keep you warm in winter. Even a small amount of exercise can bring health benefits. If possible, try to move around for at least once an hour.  

Recognise the signs of hypothermia  

Hypothermia is caused by getting too cold. Older people, babies and people with certain health conditions are among those more at risk.  

Shivering can be used as a guide to how severe hypothermia is. If a person can stop shivering on their own, the hypothermia is mild. If they can’t stop shivering, it’s moderate to severe. Severe hypothermia needs urgent medical treatment in hospital.  

Who to contact if you need further help  

If you are worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your Wirral Borough Council on 0151 638 7070.  You can also call the free Age UK advice line on 0800 169 6565. 

Benefits Advice

You may be entitled to two types of extra payments to help you heat your home over the winter period: Cold Weather payments - A payment of £25 may be issued to help with heating bills if the temperatures is forecasted, or is below one degree for seven consecutive days between 1 November and 31 March. Tenants must be claiming pension credit, employment and support allowance, income support or income related jobseekers allowance to receive this benefit. Winter Fuel payment - These are one off payments to help eligible people pay for their heating in the winter. They are not linked to temperature.

For further information on Cold Weather and Winter Fuel payments please follow link below.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10018668 Stop taps/pipes freezing  

Don't wait until the freeze hits us - check your stop tap NOW! 

In the event of a freeze this year it is advisable to check that you know the location of your stop tap so that in an emergency you can turn the water off. 

 ·Check that the stop tap will turn on and off freely.   

 ·If you have an outside toilet it is best to isolate the water supply if the temperature drops to below freezing. 

Call LCH repairs line on 0151 678 0110.  

Condensation  

Due to the colder weather properties tend to experience higher levels of condensation.  LCH can assist our tenants with information to help you reduce condensation in your home.  A leaflet is available on request from our office or an inspection can be raised to advise on the best solution for you.  

Contents insurance  

Please remember LCH is not responsible for replacing our tenants’ belongings should they get damaged by fires, flood etc.  

For instance, during the winter you are more likely to have a burst pipe.  LCH will repair the leak and any damage to the property, but will not replace any damaged possessions, equipment or furniture.  LCH advise all tenants to take out home contents insurance. There are many companies you can contact but LCH has leaflets for the National Housing Federations’ ‘My Home Contents Insurance'. If you would like a leaflet you can collect one from our office or contact MY Home Contents directly on 0845 337 2463.  

If you are a home owner you need both home and contents insurance.