Residents are being urged to use their common sense and look out for vulnerable neighbours as temperate begin to plummet.

Hertfordshire County Council has released 12  ‘top tips’ for keeping warm and staying well this winter.

Councillor Teresa Heritage, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Localism, said: "Very cold weather has a big effect on all our lives, but even more so for our more vulnerable residents. 

"Although much of the advice on how to keep warm and well is common sense, it’s important to recognise that some people will find these things difficult to do without help. 

"So, whether it’s an elderly neighbour, relative or someone you know who is not in best of health, take time to think about how you might be able to help them to stay healthy this winter."

Here are the council’s top tips for staying healthy this winter:

1. Have the flu vaccine - it’s free for over 65s, pregnant women, two and three year-olds, those with existing health conditions and carers - contact your GP or practice nurse.  If you don’t fall into one of these groups you can get a jab for about £10 at many supermarkets and pharmacies.

2. Heat your home to at least 18C to minimise the risk to health, if heating your whole house is a problem heat your living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go up to sleep.

3. If you can, get up and move around. If your mobility is more limited, do some chair exercises to help you stay warm and active.

4. Layer up - wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer.

5. Good grips - if you need to go outside wear shoes with slip resistant, good grip soles.

6. Eat hot food and drink warm drinks.

7. Stock up on store cupboard basics such as soup, tinned fish and long life milk and medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen in case you can’t get out of your home for a couple of days.

8. Undertake energy efficiency improvements to your home, or encourage your landlord to do so.

9. Insulate water pipes and protect them from the cold.

10. Get your boiler serviced by a registered engineer.

11. Keep a list of useful and emergency contacts by your phone and add organisations and charities which support older people.

12. Look out for older friends and neighbours, those with existing health conditions and young children. 
Call HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044 or visit www.hertsdirect.org/hertshelp for more information and advice.