Winter prepared

Be prepared during the cold weather and follow our top tips for keeping well. 

Receive free weather alerts

Sign up to receive severe weather and flooding alerts, visit Surrey Prepared: Sign up to warnings and alerts.

Know where to go if you feel unwell

Pharmacies are the first place to go for clinical advice and treatment for minor health concerns. If you're worried about an urgent medical concern, call 111 to speak to a fully trained adviser or visit NHS 111 online: Get help for your symptoms.

Ensure you have enough medicine in case of a cold weather spell and you are unable to get out. 

Priority Services Registers

Look on utility bills to find out about extra support from energy suppliers during a power or water outage. Make sure your heating and gas appliances are working well, have them serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Be a good neighbour

The elderly are more vulnerable than others during winter months. Visit Age UK: Look after each other this winter for information on how to help people stay safe, warm and well.

Make sure your community is safe

If you are concerned about the safety of someone in their home, refer them for a free visit from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service. Find out more at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service: Staying safe and well at home. 

Eat regularly

Try to keep a loaf of bread and a pint of milk in your freezer - just in case you cannot get out to the shops. Meals on wheels are available short or long term.

Layer your clothing indoors and outdoors

Wrap a scarf around your mouth to protect your lungs from cold air.

Consider lighting

Ensure dark areas around your home are well lit and remove any trip hazards.

Keep moving and hydrated

Try not to sit down for more than an hour at a time, move about and make yourself a warm drink. Do make sure you keep well hydrated and have at least 8 drinks a day (including tea and coffee but excluding alcohol). 

Clearing snow and ice

Help prevent injury by clearing the path outside your home, see GOV.UK: Clear snow from a road, path or cycleway.

Find a Warm Welcome near you

There are many Warm Welcome spaces across Surrey, in a variety of venues including community and church halls and leisure centres.

Get your free flu jab and covid vaccinations

Contact your GP to get your free flu jab if you are aged over 65 or a main carer for an older or disabled person.

Find out more about covid vaccinations at NHS: Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations. 

More information

For more information and details on services to support you visit:

Homeless Link: SWEP and winter provision

NHS: How to stay well in winter to find out how the cold can affect your health.

GOV.UK: Tips for staying warm and well this winter for advice on staying well in cold weather.