Weather and health

Weather can affect health, especially of older people, very young people and people with pre-existing health conditions.

But, even when we are healthy, things like the places where we live and the amount of money we have can affect if weather harms us.

Our weather is changing and over time, more changes are likely.

Plan ahead

• You may be able to get advice, help and benefits to keep your home warmer (or cooler), improve your heating or to help with bills. For more information see Citizens Advice and Winter Fuel Payments
• Have your heating and cooking appliances (including chimneys and flues) checked at least once a year by a professional engineer. Carbon monoxide is a killer. Without checking appliances and proper ventilation, carbon monoxide can build up and become very dangerous. Make sure you know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and have a working carbon monoxide alarm. Fitting an alarm should not be used instead of regular checks of appliances.

For registered professional engineers see:

• Gas appliances:  Gas Safe
• Solid Fuel appliances: HETAS

Bad weather is forecast?

• Keep your mobile phone charged and make sure it has all your important phone numbers in it. Have a list on paper too.
• Make sure you have your home insurance company phone number and policy number available (check that you have weather cover too).
• Make sure you have enough medication and have any repeat prescriptions safe.
• If you have home heating fuel delivered, make sure you are stocked up.
• Make sure you have plenty of food and drink at home.
• Check that you have a torch and batteries and think about getting a battery powered radio.

When the weather is bad

• Be careful while out and about.
• Check on loved ones, neighbours, friends and family.
• If you have a mobile phone, keep it charges and with you with important phone numbers saved.
• Follow the advice of the emergency services and Met Office. If you are not well call your GP or NHS Direct on 111. Dial 999 if it is an emergency.
• If you have a power cut, turn off big appliances, especially cookers and electric fires until the power is back on. Don’t open your freezer. If the food has defrosted by the time the power is back on you should throw it away.
• If you have to travel, follow the travel advice from the Met Office. Prepare yourself and your vehicle first. Tell someone where you are going and let them know when you get back.
• If you are planning a long trip, take any medication you need with you and a copy of your repeat prescription.
• If you have lost your water supply, follow the following advice.

Coping without a water supply

If you usually have a mains water supply (provided by a water company)

• If there is a problem with your mains water, your local water company will tell you what to do.
• You may have to boil your tap water.
• You may be given bottled water or have water tankers / bowsers parked near your home for you to collect water from.
• If you need more help due to your age, health or a medical condition, you may be able to apply to be on a Priority Services Register with your water provider.

If you have a private water supply (e.g. spring, borehole)

• If your water has changed colour or has a taste or smell, contact your local authority for advice.
• Your local authority can advise you but the problem needs to be dealt with by the owner or occupier of the home, or anyone else with ownership or control over the water source/supply.
• Those responsible for the water supply should have plans in place to deal with water shortages or contamination. Ask your local authority for advice.

Boiling water to use at home

• If you have been told to boil your water, use only boiled water for drinking, brushing teeth and preparing food.
• Boil the water and let it to cool before using – keep it in a container with a cover or a lid while it is cooling (uncovered water could become contaminated and make you ill).  
• Un-boiled water may be used to prepare food that will be cooked or if the water is boiled during cooking.
• Do not use un-boiled water to prepare food that will not be cooked, such as fruit, salad or ice cubes.
• Use a kettle, rather than pots and pans, to boil water. Boiling water can scald. If you must use pots and pans, keep panhandles out of reach of children and use a lid.
• Never drink water from the hot tap.

Bathing children

• If your water is not safe to drink, then it is best not to use it to bath small children because they may drink some of it. Use bottled water or baby wipes for a “quick wash”.

Formula feed for babies

The NHS recommends that you do not use bottled water for making formula feed for babies. It’s not sterile and may contain too much salt (sodium) or sulphate.

But, if there is a problem with your usual water supply it is still very important that your baby does not become dehydrated. Remember:  

• If you need to prepare formula feed for a baby, you must be careful with the water you use. Or, use ready-made formula milk.
• If you have been given bottled water from a water company this will be safe for making baby feed, once it has been boiled and then cooled.
• If you have to buy your own bottled water, check the mineral content before using it as some bottled water (especially “mineral water”) may contain lots of salt and / or sulphate. The Food Standards Agency advice can help you to choose and use bottled water in these situations.
• Bottled water should be boiled, covered and left to cool for up to half an hour. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make up the feed. The prepared feed should then be used immediately.

Cleaning contact lenses

• Never put contact lenses into water, boiled or otherwise, as this can lead to eye infections.
• Use a contact lens cleaning solution and follow the instructions for use.

Cleaning water containers

• Any containers used to transport water must be clean.
• Use sterilising tablets or fluids, following the manufacturer’s instructions, to clean bowls, buckets and other containers.

What about flushing the toilet?

• A water shortage may mean that there is not enough water to flush the toilet. So, save the water used for cooking and washing up, for flushing.
• Other sources of water, such as garden water butts, can also be used for flushing.

What if the toilet can’t be flushed at all because of blockage?

• If possible, use toilets belonging to unaffected family, friends, neighbours, public toilets, rest centres, local shops, supermarkets and hotels.
• Consider use of chemical toilets (“portaloos”).

Using water from other sources e.g. community wells or springs

• Do not use these sources for drinking, washing or for preparing food as they may not be safe. 

After bad weather

Follow the advice from the emergency services, local authority and insurance companies for any clean up information.