A deep freeze sweeping across most of the country could pose a risk to the young, old and ill as forecasters issue severe weather alerts for today and into the weekend.
The Met Office has issued a level three amber alert - the second highest - for the North East and the North West of England as well as Yorkshire and Humber, with average temperatures set to fall below 2C.
Public Health England is urging people to help vulnerable family and friends to keep warm and maintain indoor temperatures of at least 18C for the most at risk.
Dr Angie Bone of the Extreme Events team at Public Health England said: "Cold does kill, even in places where the temperatures aren't at their lowest. Most of our advice on keeping warm in cold weather may seem like common sense, but it's important that we make the point that people should think about how cold can affect them.
"Our advice is that when indoors, have plenty of warm food and drinks to stay warm and try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long-term illness or are 65 or over.
"This is also a good time to think about how the bad weather may affect your friends and family, particularly if they are older or very young or have pre-existing health conditions. These groups can be particularly vulnerable to the ill-effects of cold so think now what you could do to help.'
Top tips to prepare for colder weather:
- Look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold and ensure they have access to warm food, drinks and managing to heat their homes adequately
- Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over
- Stay tuned for weather forecasts, ensure you are stocked with food and medications in advance, have deliveries or ask a friend to help.
- Take weather into account when planning your activity over the following days
- Avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at a higher risk of cold related illness or falls
- Discuss with friends and neighbours about clearing snow and ice from in front of your house and public walkways nearby, if unable to do so yourself
