More people get ill in winter and the number of deaths rises. 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!

Help is available to make homes warmer

Kirklees Council have launched a project called 'Warm Zone', which provides free loft and cavity wall insulation for every household in the district, regardless of income level. Warm Zone will contact every householder, one ward at a time, offering the opportunity to make their home warmer and more comfortable. Free energy efficient lightbulbs, carbon monoxide alarms, and benefit entitlement checks will also be available. Find out more about Warm Zone.

The council is also working with other organisations to tackle the problem of people living in cold and damp homes. Together with the local NHS Primary Care Trust, local and national charities (such as Age Concern and Citizens Advice Bureau), Kirklees Energy Services, and local tenants and residents groups we have launched an 'Affordable Warmth Strategy'. The strategy aims to make sure that all Kirklees residents can afford to adequately heat their home. Find out more about the Affordable Warmth Strategy.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a lowered deep-core body temperature of 35°C/95°F 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.

You may be entitled to some additional financial help, especially during periods of very cold weather. For more information please contact us using the Gateway to Care enquiry form or use the email details above.