How to stay warm safely when the heating fails

A boiler breakdown, a gas supply problem or a winter power cut can leave a home cold for hours or days. GOV.UK's Be Ready checklist notes that homes can become cold very quickly when the heating goes off, and that's why blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing are on it.

Who is most at risk

Anyone can be affected, but GOV.UK lists older adults, people with long-term health conditions such as heart or lung disease, pregnant people, babies and young children, people with learning disabilities, people at risk of falls, people living alone, and people who are housebound or have low mobility. If that's you or someone you care for, act early.

Keep warm: the official advice

• 18°C in the rooms you use. Try to heat the rooms you spend most time in, such as the living room or bedroom, to at least 18°C.
• Layers. Wear several layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer.
• Keep heat in. Keep windows closed, especially at night, and reduce draughts. In a power cut, close the doors of rooms you're not using and draw the curtains.
• Keep moving. UKHSA suggests not sitting still for more than an hour or so indoors; if moving is hard, stretching your arms and legs helps.
• Eat well and stay hydrated. UKHSA's winter advice includes eating well and keeping up with drinks.

Our suggestions if the heating is off: gather everyone in one room, use sleeping bags or blankets (one per person), and wear a hat indoors. A hot-water bottle with a cover is useful if you can safely boil water, but never fill it with boiling water straight from the kettle. Check on babies regularly.

Heat safely

Cold weather is when carbon monoxide risks rise. GOV.UK says the risk from malfunctioning appliances increases in winter, and advises fitting an audible carbon monoxide alarm meeting British or European standards (BS Kitemark or EN 50291) and having heating and cooking appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

• Never use a barbecue or camping stove indoors or inside a tent (NHS). Never run a generator or vehicle engine in an enclosed space.
• Gas or paraffin heaters: fire service advice is to use them only in well-ventilated areas, after checking they're suitable for indoor use, with a carbon monoxide alarm in the same room.
• Electric heaters: plug them into a wall socket, not an extension lead; keep them away from curtains, bedding and furniture; sit at least a metre away; don't move them while on; and unplug them when you go out or to bed.
• Don't dry clothes directly on or near a heater or open fire.
• Open fires and stoves: use a fire guard, put embers out before bed, and have the chimney swept.
• Ovens and hobs are for cooking. Our advice is never to use a gas cooker or hob to heat a room.

Carbon monoxide symptoms include headache, dizziness, feeling sick, tiredness and confusion, and shortness of breath. If you suspect it, stop using the appliance, go outside and get medical advice (NHS 111, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell). If you smell gas or think an appliance is leaking carbon monoxide, call the National Gas Helpline on 0800 111 999.

Know the signs of hypothermia

Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature below 35°C and needs hospital treatment. The NHS lists shivering; pale, cold, dry skin (lips may turn blue or grey); slurred speech; slow breathing; and tiredness or confusion. A baby may be cold to touch, floppy, unusually quiet and refuse to feed. Call 999 or go to A&E if you think someone has it. While you wait, the NHS advises:

• Move them indoors or somewhere sheltered, remove wet clothing and wrap them in a blanket or sleeping bag, covering the head.
• Give a warm non-alcoholic drink and something sugary if they're fully awake, and stay with them.
• Don't use a hot bath, hot-water bottle or heat lamp to warm them, don't rub their limbs and don't give alcohol.

Before cold weather arrives

• Check forecasts and warnings. UKHSA's Cold-Health Alerts, run with the Met Office, operate from 1 November to 31 March.
• Make sure you have enough medication and food in case it's harder to leave the house, and think about who could pick things up for you.
• Join the Priority Services Register if you're eligible.
• Get winter vaccinations if you're eligible (ask your GP or pharmacist).
• If you're worried about someone's health, contact a pharmacist, your GP or NHS 111.

Related: what to do in a power cut and our Extreme Cold/Heat page.

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