Avoiding danger from the cold

Living in a cold place can cause hypothermia, which is a serious condition. This happens when body temperature drops very low (below 36°C or 95°F). If you find an older person living in a cold place where the temperature is below 16°C (61°F), help them to get warmer. Don't take their word for it if they say they are not cold.

Danger signs:

- Drowsiness
- Slurred Speech and slow breathing
- Feeling Confused
- Unsteady movement
- A puffy, pale face
- The body feels cold to the touch

What to do:

- Move them to warmer surroundings
- Wrap them in a light layer of blankets
- Give them a warm, nourishing drink such as soup (not alcohol)
- Call a doctor or nurse
- Don't move them next to a fire or give them a hot-water bottle, as this would change their body temperature too quickly

Keep Warm Keep Well is a national campaign to reduce cold-related illness and deaths during winter.
Visit the Keep Warm Keep Well website for information and advice on how to keep well during winter by keeping warm and what financial support is available.