A warning has been issued to elderly people in Gedling borough after the Met Office said they expect temperatures to plummet over the coming days
A Level 2 Alert from has been issued as they believe the drop in temperature could lead to increased health risks to the elderly and vulnerable.
In Nottinghamshire there is an 80% risk that much colder weather will return Wednesday, and through Thursday and Friday with brisk easterly winds and risk of snow showers.
Health officials have echoed the alert by advising people over 65 or with a long term illness to stay indoors and have plenty of warm food and drinks or wear several layers of clothing if they needed to go out.
Interim Public Health Director for Nottinghamshire Barbara Brady said: “The effects of cold can be severe, in particular for those that are over 65, have a long-term illness, or are not mobile. Deaths can rise dramatically during cold weather and cold homes are a factor in this by increasing the chances of causing or worsening conditions such as heart attacks, stroke and pneumonia.” and Readiness
Figures show that in Nottinghamshire in 2014/15, there were 810 more deaths in the winter months (December to March) than would be expected if deaths rates were the same in winter and non-winter months.
People can help to avoid these ‘excess winter deaths’ by keeping their home warm, and by making sure vulnerable or elderly friends and neighbours are doing the same.
The County Council’s advice on keeping warm in winter includes useful information on what residents are entitled to, and contacts for more help and advice, as well as a handy thermometer to help people keep track of how warm their home is.
The advice is available on www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/
Councillor Joyce Bosnjak, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board Chairman added:
“As the temperatures are set to drop over the coming days it is really important to look after your health and stay warm. There are simple things that we can all do though to keep our homes warmer, like ensuring our heating is working efficiently, or making sure we have hot meals and drinks.
“It’s also very important that we look out for the vulnerable people in our communities, especially when a cold snap hits, checking that elderly neighbours or friends are warm and have enough food can make a huge difference.”
