Tel: 01522-552222 | Contact the County Council

A-Z of Council Services:

There is a direct link between cold weather and the higher death rate, especially amongst older people and others in at-risk groups. Remember - winter needn't be dangerous if you take the right steps.

Looking out for trouble

If someone has had an accident in their home, fallen and injured themselves or been taken ill, they may not be able to attract attention of neighbours, passers-by or people who call at the door. Always be on the look-out for signs that something might be wrong, especially when the weather is cold.

There are many signs to look out for:

  • Milk not taken in late in the day;
  • Newspapers stuck in the letterbox;
  • Curtains drawn during the day;
  • Lights burning during the day;
  • Home in darkness when there should be someone at home;
  • Dog barking all day or the cat scratching to be let in.

Prevention

Clearly, it is important to prevent people from becoming cold in the first place. Family, friends and neighbours in the community can look out for those who might be at risk from the cold. Prevention is always easier than cure!

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a lowered deep-core body temperature of 35C/95F or below. It is the lowered temperature of the organs inside the body which is important - an ordinary thermometer cannot measure this. You may not actually feel cold but if you sit in a cold room and do little or nothing to keep warm then you may run the risk of becoming hypothermic or becoming ill with bronchitis or pneumonia. Both are cold-related illnesses.

Watch out for the danger signs!

  • Drowsiness
  • Very cold skin on parts of the body normally covered, for example the stomach or armpits
  • Slurred speech
  • Absence of complaint about feeling cold, even in a bitterly cold room

If you are in doubt:

  • move the person into warmer surroundings if possible
  • wrap the person in a light layer of blankets or a duvet to avoid further loss of body heat: give them warm, nourishing drinks
  • call the doctor or nurse
  • do not subject the person to any sudden extreme change of temperature - so do not put them next to a fire or give them hot water bottles or heavy layers of clothes or blankets.
  • do not give them alcohol, as it will stimulate further heat loss through the skin.

How can you help yourself keep warm?

Safety is important in all aspects of keeping yourself warm. Care should be taken when using electric blankets or filling hot water bottles. Never use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together, as this is extremely dangerous and could give you an electric shock.

Keep Warm, Keep Well

Lincolnshire County Council supports the Government's annual "Keep Warm, Keep Well" campaign which aims to reduce cold-related illnesses and deaths among the elderly and people with chronic illness.   The public information campaign offers a free telephone helpline, the Winter Warmth Advice Line, see 'Web Links' for more details.

It also provides a free Winter Guide that contains practical tips on keeping warm and staying healthy during the cold months.  The leaflet also outlines financial help available for people to heat and insulate their homes during winter.

Lincolnshire Social Services distributes the Winter Guide leaflets to its 12 area offices across the county, day centres, libraries, churches, post offices, hospitals, Citizens Advice Bureaux, and to members of the public via home carers.

Financial help

You may be entitled to some additional financial help, especially during periods of very cold weather. For more information contact us.

Last Updated: 14 December 2009

Have You Seen ...

Supporting People help Lincolnshire People

With over 90 countywide providers the Programme offers thousands of vulnerable people in Lincolnshire support to live independently.

More about this story

Photo of a groom and bride being showered in confetti

Getting Married

We’re committed to a high standard of service and customer care. Our Registration Offices have excellent facilities and staff with expertise and a commitment to customer care.

What's On

Also of interest

Contact Information

Adult Social Care
Orchard House
Orchard Street
Lincoln
Lincolnshire
LN1 1BA

Tel: 01522 782155
Fax: 01522 554006
Email: customer_services@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Did you find what you were looking for?

Please give us your name and any comments you have.

Your comments

Email this page to a friend

Send feedback on this page