Level 3: Response to Severe Winter Weather

A Level 3 alert indicates that the severe winter weather forecast is expected to impact on people’s health and on health services.

Individuals and communities should take immediate action to minimise the harmful effects of the weather, including: setting daytime room temperature to 21°C and bedroom night temperature to at least 18°C; dressing warmly and eating well; and checking on those you know are at risk.

Dress warmly when going to the Mosque or outdoors

• Wearing plenty of thin layers is warmer than one thick one.
• Put on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm, non-slip shoes or boots when you go outside.
• Wear clothes made of wool, cotton or fleecy synthetic fibres.
• Stay warm in bed with bed socks, thermal underwear and a nightcap or headscarf.

Manage your energy use when at home

• Shut and draughtproof outside doors.
• Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat generated inside your rooms.
• Make sure that your radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture.
• Boil only the water you need rather than filling the kettle completely.
• Do not use a gas cooker or oven to heat your home as this is inefficient and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

> Department of Health level 3 cold weather warning