Severe cold weather alert issued for West Sussex
The Public Health England warning comes as icy conditions persist this week
Public Health England has issued a severe weather action alert as West Sussex continues to experience below freezing temperatures.
The level 3 amber alert is in place until Friday (12 February) and means social and healthcare services need to target action at specific high risk groups.
The authority warns that the current chilly conditions could impact on the health of those vulnerable to the cold.
It is asking the public to check on family and friends who could be at risk and ensure they have access to warm food and drinks, and are able to heat their homes adequately.
PHE says on the Met Office's website: "There is a 95% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 0900 on Monday 08 Feb and 1200 on Friday 12 Feb in parts of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. "
Dr Owen Landeg, Group Leader, Extreme Events and Health Protection at PHE, has issued this advice:
"Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.
"So it’s really important during this particularly cold period, to keep checking on frail or older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses.
"Make a call, or socially-distanced doorstep visit if they live close by, to remind them to heat their home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit and to keep up to date with the forecast. It’s also helpful to check they have enough food and drinks and any medicines they need.
"If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer and having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.
"For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants to help keep you warm this winter. "