Website of the UK government

Cold weather: advice and help

When temperatures fall close to or below freezing, research shows that many conditions, such as respiratory diseases, are made worse and the number of strokes and heart attacks peak some days later. Vulnerable people are particularly at risk during cold spells.

Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when your body temperature falls below normal levels because of the cold, and people die every year at home because they are not warm enough.

 If you are worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your local council and let them know. There is also help and support from charities such as Help the Aged. Help the Aged has produced an information pack called 'The Cold Can Kill' - it contains useful contact numbers and advice.

• Cold Weather Payment information (over 50s section)
• Warm Front Scheme in England information (money, tax and benefits section)
• Winter Fuel Payment information (over 50s section)
• Help the Aged Opens new window
• Download 'The Cold Can Kill' leaflet from Help the Aged (PDF 420KB) Opens new window
• Help with PDF files

Flooding and severe weather

British weather can be severe and change rapidly. Extreme shifts in weather patterns can lead to flooding in vulnerable areas and make some roads and motorways inaccessible.

The Met Office works with the Environment Agency in England and Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in Scotland and Rivers Agency in Northern Ireland to forecast areas where floods are likely. The relevant agency and local council share responsibility for providing advice and information to the public during flood emergencies and can be contacted 24 hours a day via dedicated 'Floodline' numbers:

Environment Agency: 0845 988 1188

Scottish Environment Protection Agency: 0845 988 1188

In Northern Ireland contact the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: Rivers Agency.

The Met Office's severe weather warning page provides up-to-date information about weather that is likely to cause disruption.

If you are considering embarking on a journey during bad weather, you should consult the Met Office or the Highways Agency, for travel advice. If you must drive during severe weather, make sure you re prepared for bad weather conditions.

• More information on flooding
• Flooding information from the Environment Agency Opens new window
• Keep Warm Keep Well: Winter guide 2007-08 booklet Opens new window
• The Highways Agency Opens new window

More useful links

• Over 50s Health and well-being (over50s section)
• Scottish Environment Protection Agency Opens new window
• Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Northern Ireland Opens new window