With cold weather predicted, families are being urged to follow simple measures to help keep themselves and vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours safe.
A Met Office cold weather alert has been issued, with a 60 per cent probability of severe cold weather in Southeast England until Thursday 10 December.
Prolonged cold weather can be a risk for anyone, although vulnerable people, including the elderly and those with long-term medical conditions, are particularly at risk.
Paula Wilkins, Chief Nurse at NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Staying warm and well during cold spells is important for everyone, particularly people who are more susceptible to the cold. Please follow the advice and look out for others, whilst keeping safe yourself and remembering hands, face and space.”
Kent County Council (KCC) Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care, Clair Bell said: “This year especially, we want to ease the burden on the NHS and keep people safe at home.
“Having a family member, friend or neighbour who can help out can be vital in cold weather – helping with anything from putting the bin out to collecting a prescription or doing some grocery shopping.”
KCC Director for Public Health Andrew Scott-Clark said: “Exposure to the cold increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks - even a short time in the cold, outdoors or indoors, can have a lasting effect.
“People should wrap up warm to protect themselves and help those who may have difficulty following the basic advice.”
Simple tips such as making regular hot drinks and wearing several thin layers of clothes rather than one thick one can help to keep your body warm.
- Regular hot meals and drinks can help keep your body warm.
- Keep your home heated – set the heating to the right temperature (18-21C).
- If trying to save fuel, it is advisable to heat the living room during the day, the bathroom when needed and the bedroom, just before going to bed.
- Have your heating and cooking appliances checked regularly and make sure the chimney has been swept recently.
- Wear shoes with slip resistant, good grip soles.
- Make sure you are not caught out by snow and ice; stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with food supplies.
- Get up-to-date traffic information at www.kenttraffic.info
- In periods of severe weather, such as snow and ice, do not travel unless necessary.
- Call NHS 111 you need urgent medical help that is not a 999 emergency. NHS 111 is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering people support on a wide range of conditions, covering both illnesses and injuries. Help is at hand from a team of highly trained experts and if needed an appointment can be booked at an Urgent Treatment Centre or even an A&E department.
- Get the flu vaccine to protect yourself and others - it’s free for anyone over 65, pregnant women, those with long term conditions, and children aged two to four.
- Order repeat prescriptions in good time to make sure you have enough supply of any medicines you use.
- More information is available about how to keep yourself and others safe during cold weather through www.kent.gov.uk/winterhealth
- You can find information on Covid-19 including details on the NHS Test and Trace app, symptoms and getting a test at www.kent.gov.uk/kentprotect