High-rise living: Cold weather guide for residents
As well as knowing that your building is compliant with strict fire and structural safety measures, it is important that you feel comfortable in your home.
That’s why we have brought together advice from the NHS, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office to help you stay warm and safe during a cold snap.
Why your home can get cold
Keeping warm in winter can sometimes be a challenge, particularly during a sudden cold snap.
A home that is too cold can very quickly impact your health and wellbeing and make you and those you live with more susceptible to illnesses.
Those most at risk during cold weather are:
- over 65-year-olds
- children and babies, particularly those under five-years-old
- pregnant women
- people with long-term health conditions, especially those with heart or breathing problems
- people who take certain medications
- people who may have difficulty adapting their behaviour to colder weather such as those living with dementia or other mental health conditions
- people at risk of falls
- people who live alone or those unable to care for themselves
- people who are housebound or have low mobility
- people living in deprived circumstances and fuel poverty
What you should do
There are lots of practical steps you can take to ensure you and your loved ones keep warm and stay safe when temperatures drop.
- heat your home to a temperature that feels comfortable to you
- heat rooms you spend most of your time in such as the living room or bedroom to 18 degrees
- reduce draughts by fitting draft excluders around doors
- keep your bedroom windows closed at night
- wear several layers of thinner clothing which may be more effective than one thick layer
- seek financial support that can help with the cost of living
- ensure your heating appliances are serviced regularly to keep them efficient
- consider insulating water pipes to prevent them freezing in cold weather
- consider loft or wall insulation and replacing windows with double or triple glazing
Find out more
- For the latest health advice on keeping well in winter, visit:
www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well
- For advice on keeping yourself and your home safe and warm in a cold snap, visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-warm-and-well-staying-safe-in-cold-weather/top-tips-for-keeping-warm-and-well-this-winter
- For the latest weather updates, visit: www.metoffice.gov.uk
- Listen to your local radio station or check your local authority’s website for local news about any changes to services, transport or activities due to cold (or hot) weather in your area.
You can also read our guide to help you stay cool and safe during a heatwave.
A to Z of building safety
To find out more about any terms or organisations used on this page, refer to our A to Z of building safety glossary.
Your home, your safety
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