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Emergency

Extreme cold / snow and ice

How to stay safe and warm during extreme cold, snow and ice in the UK, and protect people at risk.

WHAT TO DO NOW

  1. 1Heat your main living room to at least 18°C and keep it warm; wear layers.
  2. 2Eat regular hot meals and drinks to keep your energy up.
  3. 3Check on older and vulnerable neighbours daily.
  4. 4Only travel if necessary; carry a warm kit, water and a charged phone in the car.
  5. 5Watch for signs of hypothermia (shivering, confusion, cold skin) and cold-related illness.
  6. 6Keep pipes from freezing; know where your stop tap is in case of a burst.

What not to do

  • Do not use unflued or outdoor heaters/BBQs indoors (carbon monoxide).
  • Do not leave vulnerable people without heating.
  • Do not travel in dangerous conditions unless essential.

What is it?

Extreme cold brings freezing temperatures, snow and ice. UKHSA and the Met Office issue Cold-Health Alerts. Cold weather increases the risk of illness, falls and travel disruption.

What might happen?

Hypothermia and cold-related illness, falls on ice, burst pipes, heating and power problems, and travel disruption.

First 10 minutes

Warm up in a heated room, add layers, and have a hot drink. Check heating is working.

First hour

Keep the main room warm, eat and drink warm things, and check on people at risk. Prepare for possible power cuts.

First 24 hours

Keep warm overnight; use extra blankets and safe heating. Watch for hypothermia and act quickly. Grit paths if you can.

If it continues for several days

During prolonged cold, follow Cold-Health Alerts, keep checking on vulnerable people, and keep heating and supplies going safely.

Children

Keep babies' rooms warm (but not overheated) and dress children in layers; watch for cold hands, feet and face.

Older & vulnerable people

Older people are most at risk — help them keep warm, fed and connected; check for the Warm Home Discount and support schemes.

Pets

Keep pets warm and indoors in extreme cold; provide unfrozen water and shelter.

Communications

Follow NHS/UKHSA cold-weather advice and Met Office warnings; keep a battery radio and charged phone for updates.

Official sources

This guidance is an editorial explanation of official UK advice. Always follow instructions from the authorities.

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