One Person Dies Of Cold Every Other Day In Wandsworth
Council issues advice to keep warm as Met Office issues 'cold weather level three alert'
The Met Office has issued a cold weather level three alert for London, with temperatures expected to plunge between now and Monday.
In Wandsworth one person dies from the cold every other day, and the council is working hard with its partners to get that number down. It is urging local people to seek help if they need it, or to let them know if a friend or neighbour is struggling with the cold.
The Wandsworth and Richmond Assessment point (WRAP) can help with benefits, heating, energy efficiency and more. For eligible residents WRAP may conduct a home visit to see how they can best help you. If you or someone you know is worried about keeping warm this winter call WRAP on 0800 118 23 27, text 07928 394 482 or email enquiries@thinkingworks.co.uk
For short term support during a sudden cold snap Leonard Cheshire Disability can help by providing blankets, bedding, hot meals and even heaters. Call them on (020) 7223 0350.
The council’s public health team is also encouraging people to get a flu jab to protect themselves, as flu is particularly common in winter. Flu is not the same as the common cold. It is often more severe, lasts for longer and can result in having to going to hospital. People over the age of 65, even if they are fit and healthy, and those with medical conditions are more vulnerable to the effects of flu. Find out more about the flu jab at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/flu.
Other council services are busy preparing for cold snaps. An emergency gritting operation is ready to swing into operation when roads and pavements become snowy or icy, but residents can also grit pavements themselves. Tonnes of grit and rock salt have been handed out to Wandsworth residents and there is a network of grit bins across the borough. Find out more at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/snow.
Read details on how Wandsworth is preparing for cold weather in this year's Winter Service Plan.
Wandsworth is supporting the NHS Stay Well This Winter campaign which urges people aged over 65 and those with long-term conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory illness, to protect themselves against the cold weather.
Advice includes:
Keep yourself warm - heat your home to at least 18 degrees C or 65F if you can
If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s just a cough or a cold, then get help from your pharmacist quickly before it gets more serious..
Make sure you get your prescription medicines before pharmacies close on Christmas Eve. Always take your prescribed medicines as directed.
Get your free flu jab if you are eligible for one.
Look out for other people who may need a bit of extra help over winter.
The council’s health and adult social care spokesman Cllr Jim Maddan said:
“We are working hard to get the right information and advice out to our residents to help them during the cold winter months as well as working to ensure our housing stock is well-maintained and energy efficient.”
"There is help available, so I would urge all vulnerable people to get the support they need to stay safe. If you know of someone who might be cold and vulnerable please let us know via WRAP and we can arrange a visit.”
For more advice, download visit the keeping warm in winter webpage.
February 9, 2017