YourNews: “Stay safe in cold weather” advises East Midlands housing provider

Following plummeting temperatures across the region, housing provider Newark and Sherwood Homes has put together advice for local people on staying safe and warm in snow and ice.

1. Keep your home warm – the best and most economical way to keep your property warm is to keep your heating on constantly and controlling the temperature via a room stat between 19-21 degrees.
2. Keep out the cold – close your curtains as soon as it is dark and use draught excluders at your doors to help keep the heat inside.
3. Know your heating system – make sure you know how to set your central heating controls or restart the system after a power cut.
4. Be prepared – if your heat is on a pre-pay meter, make sure you have enough credit on your meter.
5. Layer up – wear layered clothing, but nothing too tight or bulky to keep toasty, and make sure to wear a hat when heading outside.
6. Keep moving – if you can, move around regularly as this keeps your circulation flowing. If your mobility is limited, try some arm-chair exercises.
7. Stay in touch – the colder months can be particularly worrying for older friends and relatives, so keep in regular contact with your loved ones and neighbours.
8. Consume hot food and drinks – these will help keep you feeling toasty even when it’s frosty outside. A warm cup of tea and soup are good options.
9. Travel only if necessary- when driving, be cautious, as black ice is hard to spot and dangerous for travellers. If you are travelling on foot, wear warm shoes with a good grip.
10. Contact your tenancy assistant or your utility company for further advice or if you’re struggling.

Julie Davidson, tenancy and estates manager at Newark and Sherwood Homes, said: “When temperatures fall it is important to remember about a few simple tips to stay warm, especially for tenants who are older and may be unprepared. Our staff are on hand to help tenants who might be struggling; if you need additional tenancy support contact our customer access service on 0845 258 5550”.