IN this severe cold weather Essex County Council is urging people to take action to ensure they stay warm and well.

The elderly and those with long-term health conditions are particularly susceptible at these times to further illnesses and are often isolated.

Dr Mike Gogarty, Director of Public Health at Essex County Council, said: “Anyone can help elderly friends or relatives by checking on them regularly, particularly during severe weather.

“Ensure their home is warm and they have everything they need to manage during the cold spell.

“Picking up shopping or medicines for them during bad weather can make all the difference and could prevent them having to leave the house themselves and risk a fall.”

Here are some tips for helping a vulnerable person over winter:

Drop in on an older neighbour or friend once a week – more often if the weather turns very cold.
Make sure their home is heated to at least 18°C to 21°C in winter.
Encourage them to get heating and cooking appliances safety checked and keep their home well ventilated.
Ensure the person you are looking in on is eating well and has the essentials as well as meals and soups in the cupboard.
Ask if you can collect any prescriptions or take the person to the GP for any appointments.
If it snows, clear their path or door areas for them.
If they do start to feel ill encourage them to visit a pharmacist and not leave it. If they feel unwell out of hours they can call 111 and speak to the NHS where they’ll be advised on the best course of action.