With the nights drawing in and the days getting colder, it is a great time to get your home winter ready.
Here we’re sharing some top tips to get Winter Ready, including looking after your home, being prepared for an emergency, and where to turn to if you need help and support.
Test your heating
Make sure you turn the thermostat for the heating up fully and leave for half an hour, checking that your radiators are heating up. If there are any problems, then you can let us know before winter sets in.
Our repairs service is there for you, and we encourage you to make use of it to fix any problems to help keep your home well maintained. Sorting problems out before they become bigger issues can often save time and disruption.
Preventing condensation and mould
Simple steps at home can prevent damp and mould from becoming an issue. Opening windows for just 20 minutes each day can go a long way to preventing issues with damp.
The moisture in the air comes into contact with a cold surface like a wall or window and turns into droplets of water. If it’s ignored it can cause a problem as it can cause mould to grow.
The mould can be treated by wiping down windows and walls with an anti-mould spray from your local supermarket.
You can avoid condensation in your home with the following tips:
- Keep lids on your pans while you cook so that the steam can’t escape.
- Don’t dry clothes on a radiator and dry your washing outside where you can.
- Use an extractor fan in your kitchen while cooking and in the bathroom while washing.
- If you run a bath, put the cold in first which will reduce the amount of steam given off.
- Air out your home for at least 20 minutes each day to let fresh air circulate and keep trickle vents on your windows open.
- Air out cupboards and wardrobes regularly and always leave a gap behind furniture and a wall.
- You can buy a dehumidifier which will take a lot of the moisture out of the air.
- Regularly wipe down condensation on windows or where moisture settles.
- Vent your tumble dryer to the outside so the warm air isn’t being released into your home.
Fire Safety
Winter can bring with it extra fire hazards that you should be aware of.
- Keep any portable heaters away from curtains, furniture or any other flammable materials and turn off when you leave the room.
- Ensure fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are working correctly.
- Test any electric blankets and unplug them before you get into bed.
- Be careful when using candles or matches, keep them away from curtains, furniture or any other flammable materials.
Preparing for an emergency
It’s always useful to be prepared for any emergency, it’s important to have some key items prepared.
Consider what supplies your household may need during an emergency lasting a few days, such as a power cut or water outage. A few essentials including a torch, mobile battery charger for your phone, some bottled water and blankets may come in real use in case of an emergency.
Read more about preparing for emergencies here.
Flu and Covid vaccines
Some people are more likely to get very poorly from flu or COVID-19.
You can get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines if:
- you are 65 years old or over
- or you have some health conditions
- or you have a learning disability.
Carers can also get flu and COVID-19 vaccines if they are paid or unpaid. They may be able to get the vaccines at the same time as you.
Your carer can speak to their doctors’ (GP) surgery about getting on the carers register.
Find out about eligibility and booking your flu or covid vaccine here.
Stay connected
As the night’s draw in it can be easy to shut the curtains in a warm home and stay indoors. However, it is important to stay connected with other people as this can boost your wellbeing.
Good social relationships with those around you are an essential component to mental wellbeing, so try to stay in regular contact with family, friends or neighbours over the winter months.
Read more about wellbeing here.
Cost of living advice and support
Lots of people have been struggling with increasing costs over the last couple of years, so if you’re struggling to find the money to cover your rent this winter, the most important thing is to let us know.
We have a dedicated Income and Financial Inclusion team who can give you really good money advice and are here to help, whether you’re struggling to pay your rent, need support claiming benefits or would like some advice about debt or managing your bills.