Who is at risk?

While the cold weather can affect anyone, there are certain groups who are particularly vulnerable. These include:

  • People age 65 years and over
  • Individuals with long-term health conditions, including: cardiovascular and/or respiratory diseases
  • Pregnant individuals
  • Children age 5 and under
  • People with learning disabilities
  • People at risk of falls
  • People living alone and unable to care for themselves
  • Housebound individuals, or people with low mobility

Why is there an increased risk of illnesses and injuries in winter?

  • Cold weather can weaken the body's immune defences, making people more susceptible to respiratory infections like colds, flu, and pneumonia.
  • Ice and snow create slippery surfaces, leading to a higher risk of slips, trips, and falls. Injuries like sprains, fractures, and head injuries are more common in winter due to these conditions
  • Infectious diseases, such as flu and norovirus circulate at a higher frequency in winter

Keep your home warm

Make sure your hearting is set to a temperature that is comfortable for you. Small adjustments can also help keep you warmer in the colder months such as:

  • Heating room you use a lot, to 21°C through the day and at least 18°C at night.
  • Using draft excluders against external doors
  • Closing windows at night
  • Wearing two or three layers of thinner clothing, instead of a single thick item of clothing.

Cumberland Council have developed staying warm this winter guidance.

Traveling advice

  • Check the weather forecast and plan your route to make sure there are no issues reported
  • Allow extra time for your journey so you can drive safely
  • If snow or ice is expected, consider delaying your journey until it clears. If you need to, you can reschedule your appointment.

Cumberland Council have developed a local winter ready guide which includes information about travel, floods and fire risks.