1 week Ago By Grace Piercy
Homeowners have been warned to “close your curtains and blinds” today ahead of snow in the next few days. The Met Office has forecast snow to hit across the UK from today to Tuesday (December 19) with weather warnings in place for snow and ice in places. Northern Scotland will experience some snow showers in the upcoming days with, around 5cm - 10cm of snow building up with areas in the lower region likely to be hit by Monday.
WXCharts data found that areas including Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, London and even Plymouth could be struck with snow. The national forecaster has also encouraged people to take certain measures to keep their homes warm as temperatures could reach as low as -5C, according to WXCharts. The cold thickens blood and increases blood pressure, and breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections.
Ideally you should heat your home to a temperature of at least 18C. Having room temperatures slightly over this could be good for your health. This is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease.
If you are under the age of 65, active and wearing appropriate clothing, you may wish to keep your home at a comfortable temperature even if it is slightly lower than 18C. The Met Office has created a list of things you should do to keep your home warm ahead of the cold spell over the next few days. Insulating your home not only keeps you warm but will also help to keep your energy costs down.
Fit draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors. Make sure that your loft has at least 10-11 inches (270 mm) of insulation. Any home with 4 inches (100 mm) or less should have it topped up.
If you have wall cavities, make sure that they are insulated too. Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes. Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat generated inside your rooms.
Make sure that your radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture..
