Answer to the challenge of cold weather and winter

The England Cold Weather Plan (CWP) outlines measures and advice to reduce preventable cold-related deaths and illnesses. This blog explores how the plan addresses the cold weather challenge by planning for and responding to cold temperatures.

The challenge of cold and winter

Every year, winter temperatures drop, and cold weather affects health and well-being.

Physical hazards such as snow and ice increase the likelihood of falls and injuries. Cold can raise blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and make it difficult to fight infections. These factors add up to make cold-related deaths the leading killer of weather-related deaths in England.

the Cold weather plan for England seeks to reduce the tens of thousands of excessive winter deaths by:

• Providing information on the national Cold warning system with advance warning and advice about the winter
• Raising awareness and interacting with the community to ensure they know what to do to prepare for and respond to cold weather
• long-term cooperation with partners for planning and commissioning for cold weather
• Implementation of a monitoring of cold events in almost real time

Protect the weakest

Thousands of people die every year as a result of the cold. The Cold Weather Plan aims to prevent the main preventable health effects during cold weather periods by raising awareness and sharing guidelines to protect the most vulnerable, including:

• elderly people, especially those over 65, frail or socially isolated people
• People with chronic pre-existing conditions
• Children under 5
• People with cognitive impairments, mental illnesses or learning difficulties
• People who live in disadvantaged circumstances, such as fuel poverty
• People who are homeless or who sleep poorly
• pregnant woman

While extremely low temperatures can cause significant health damage, even seemingly mild temperatures (4 ° C to 8 ° C) can have negative health effects, especially for the most vulnerable people who, unsurprisingly, are hardest hit in winter.

It is important to be aware of cold weather. Although it poses a significant health risk to many people, simple preventive measures can prevent many deaths, illnesses, and injuries related to the common cold.

Stay healthy, stay warm

The England Cold Weather Plan provides advice and guidance on staying healthy and keeping warm in cold weather, including:

• Heating the house or the parts you use to over 18 ° C
• stay warm by dressing in several thin layers,
• Consume regular hot meals and drinks
• move as this allows blood to flow around the body
• Plan ahead and stay in touch with the forecast and cold weather warnings

It is also imperative to take care of others, especially the weakest. Everyone probably knows someone from one of these groups, and you can help out by checking in. We also know that cold weather can also make some people isolated so it might just take a conversation and a friendly face.

You can read the full plan here and find additional COVID-19 resources here.