The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office amber warning has been extended to midday, Saturday (20th January) - signalling very cold weather could affect anyone's health, particularly the vulnerable such as the elderly, very young, pregnant mums and people with long-term conditions.
Daytime temperatures will continue hovering just above freezing, with nights dropping to minus figures, ahead of a return to milder, unsettled weather from Saturday afternoon.
Why is cold weather a health risk?
Lower temperatures put a strain on our bodies as they work harder to stay warm. In the process, our blood pressure rises, the risk of clotting increases, and with it the sometimes delayed risk of heart attack and strokes for up to four weeks after a chilly snap.
Our immune system and lungs don’t work as well in the cold either so we are less able to fight infection - just at the time we’re spending more time indoors which makes it easier for viruses like flu and COVID to spread. More obviously, icy conditions also increase the risk of injuries from slips and falls.
Unsurprisingly, the statistics show winter claims thousands of additional lives every year.
What can residents do?
Given this, Kent County Council (KCC) is asking residents to keep checking in on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours to make sure they keep safe and follow practical advice.
“Heating one room to at least 18°c, having hot food and drinks and getting the free seasonal vaccines on offer if eligible can all help protect against illness brought on by the cold”
Kent County Council (KCC) Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “Staying warm and well during cold spells is important for everyone, but particularly for our vulnerable residents.
“Heating one room to at least 18°c, having hot food and drinks and getting the free seasonal vaccines on offer if eligible can all help protect against illness brought on by the cold – reducing the need for NHS treatment or trip to busy A&E.
“If you are struggling, please visit kent.gov to find out what help is available."
“If you do need NHS help, NHS 111, online or via phone, is there for you and we list all pharmacies and urgent treatment centres at www.stopthinkchoose.co.uk”
Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “Prolonged cold weather can be a risk for anyone, but those who are vulnerable, including elderly people, those with breathing difficulties, and children under five, are particularly at risk.
"If you do need NHS help, NHS 111, online or via phone, is there for you and we list all pharmacies and urgent treatment centres at www.stopthinkchoose.co.uk.
You can also download the NHS app to access a range of health services from your phone or tablet.
KCC gritting vehicles head out of their depot into the night to treat icy roads to help keep Kent moving through spells of very cold weather
To help keep residents safe during the very cold weather:
- KCC’s Highway Teams will continue gritting key routes. Stay up to date and check before you travel by searching for @GrittingKent, @KentHighways and @HighwaysSEAST on X (formerly Twitter) plus 'Gritting Kent' on Facebook.
- Local authorities in Kent and Medway provide emergency shelter to people sleeping rough.
- Warm Welcome Spaces give residents a chance to share a cuppa, chat and feel part of the local community. To find a free, warm, welcoming and friendly space near you, including KCC libraries and churches and community cafes, visit warmwelcome.uk.
- South East Water is reminding customers to check their water pipes are lagged and outdoor taps are protected to help avoid bursts and cut down on energy costs - find out more at southeastwater.co.uk/winter.
- Kent Housing Group (KHG) is also advising tenants to report issues like damp and mould, faulty heating systems or hot water supply to their landlord.
Many parts of Kent were dusted with snow during the first cold snap of 2024 - on the 8th January
For more information:
- Visit kent.gov/winterhealth and ‘Keep well and be a winter friend this winter’ . You'll find tips here to keep yourself and others safe during very cold weather.
- Read more about how to get your home and property ‘winter ready’ and keeping your home warm this winter on the Met Office website.
- Read UKHSA's national Adverse Weather and Health Plan.
