Stay Warm This Winter: Tips to Beat the Cold Snap
An Arctic air mass is set to bring plummeting temperatures to Ireland this weekend and next week, with Met Éireann warning of potential snowfall. This icy spell highlights the importance of keeping warm to protect your health.
Thankfully, there are plenty of quick and easy ways to keep your home cozy without emptying your wallet.
Dress in Layers
When the mercury drops below freezing, it’s tempting to reach for the warmest single layer you can find. However, the HSE recommends dressing in multiple thin layers for better warmth. Air gets trapped between each layer, creating insulation.
Don’t forget thermal underwear – a great way to stay warm throughout the day.
Stay Active
You don’t need to brave the outdoors, but keeping your body moving is a fantastic way to generate some heat. Walk around indoors, try some simple stretches, or find a quick indoor exercise routine to get your blood flowing.
Hot Drinks and Warm Meals
Sipping on hot drinks and eating at least one warm meal a day can help raise your body temperature. Consider keeping a kettle handy for a warming cup of tea before bedtime.
Insulate Your Home
The HSE recommends keeping the room you spend the most time in between 18 to 21°C and the rest of your house at least 16°C. Improving your home’s insulation is one of the most effective ways to combat the cold.
Keep your curtains closed during the day, especially if the sun isn’t shining on your house, to minimize heat loss. Heavy curtains also act as a great insulator for windows.
Seal Draughts
Draughts from windows and doors can quickly make your home feel chilly. Purchase a draft excluder to block gaps under doors and use self-adhesive strips to seal gaps around window frames.
Don’t forget about letterboxes and keyholes – a letterbox brush and keyhole cover can make a significant difference. If you have a unused chimney, a chimney draft excluder will prevent cold air from seeping in.
Stay Informed
Keep an eye on the weather forecast to prepare for the coldest days ahead. This will allow you to plan accordingly and take extra precautions.
Look Out for Each Other
Charities are urging people to check in on their elderly neighbors, particularly those living alone and those experiencing homelessness.
3 key messages. 1 Please note the weather is deteriorating. It is likely we will see slips trips falls. If you are injured please check local injury unit options – see our website @HSELive. 2 In cold weather elderly and those who may at times experience vulnerability can be at… pic.twitter.com/2hIWtANuI2
— Bernard Gloster (@BernardGloster) January 2, 2025
Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said, “We’re asking people to look out for the older and more vulnerable members of the community. Please stay in touch with older friends, family and neighbours. It’s vital that homes are kept warm and comfortable, particularly for those with underlying health difficulties, which can be exacerbated by the cold weather.”
ALONE encourages older people across Ireland to seek support if needed. Tiglin, a homeless charity, has highlighted the “dire conditions” faced by people sleeping rough due to freezing temperatures.
They urge the public to report any individuals of concern to their local authorities. In Dublin, the “Dublin Rough Sleeper App” can be used to notify authorities of someone’s location.
Let’s stay warm and look out for each other this winter.