BRITS with underlying health conditions have been urged to heat their homes as temperatures are set to plummet.
Freezing conditions are predicted to hit the UK between 6pm on Wednesday and 9am on Monday December 12, according to the Met office.
Temperatures are set to fall as low as -4C in some areas by Friday.
Dr Agostinho Sousa of the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) said: “Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk.
“If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you.
“Try to heat the rooms you use most, such as the living and bedroom, to at least 18°C if you can, and keep your bedroom windows closed at night.”
Over 2.2million Brits are are considered to be clinically vulnerable, according to the NHS.
This comes as energy bills in the UK have soared in recent months, in part because the war in Ukraine has reduced supplies of Russian gas.
Some doctors across the country can now write prescriptions to give Brits with respiratory conditions free energy bills as part of a new health trial.
How to keep your home warm this winter
Kevin Pratt, energy expert at Forbes Advisor – a trusted destination for unbiased personal finance guidance, news and review – revealed his top tips to help families keep their homes warm without using the heating
Block draughts
Cold air coming into your home equals warm air going out. Kevin advised families to block draughts around doors and windows as well as letterbox and keyholes to keep the chill at bay
Upgrade your windows
You can also upgrade your windows to keep the heat in and this doesn’t need to cost a fortune either, it can be an easy DIY job.
Energy expert Kevin shared: “Double- or even triple-glazing is a brilliant way to keep out the cold and to retain warmth in your home.
“If you don’t have it, consider a DIY solution where you use a hair-dryer to stick plastic film inside your windows – there are kits online for around £20.”
Wrap up
A super easy way to keep warm at home is to simply wear warmer clothes.
This will delay you putting on the heating, with the specialist adding: “Think layers. And remember that, if your feet are cold, you’ll feel cold all over – so invest in thermal socks and a decent pair of slippers.”
A chimney balloon
If you have an open, decorative fireplace, a lot of heat will be escaping up the chimney.
Kevin revealed you can put a stop to this and keep your home warm – all without turning the heating on.
He explained that a chimney balloon – which essentially plugs the passage – can be purchased for around £15 – £25. But, whatever you do, don’t light a fire without removing it first!
The idea is that the scheme will prevent people from getting ill from cold and needing hospital treatment.
The Met office triggered the amber weather alert today, as temperatures are set to fall as low as -4C in some areas by Friday.
The alert requires health and care services to take action to protect high-risk people.
Forecasters, said that air from the Arctic will spread south across the nation, with very cold and frosty nights expected from the middle of the week.
The warning said that there is a 90 per cent probability of severe cold weather and icy conditions in the specified period.
The amber alert is the second most severe possible, with only a level 4 red alert above it.
Snow is even forecast in the coming weeks, sparking hopes of a White Christmas.
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