Bassetlaw: Fifty people died due to cold weather

Figures have revealed that 50 people died in Bassetlaw during 2011/12 as a result of the colder weather.
Guardian NewsGuardian News
Guardian News

Notts County Council are offering advice to older and vulnerable residents on staying warm and healthy during winter months.

And across Notts, figures revealed colder weather had an impact on the deaths of 340 people.

Cold can have a negative impact on people’s health by increasing the chances of causing or worsening conditions such as heart attacks, stroke and pneumonia.

People can help to avoid these ‘excess winter deaths’ by keeping their home warm, and by making sure vulnerable or elderly friends and neighbours are doing the same.

The county council has produced a ‘keep warm this winter’ guide which includes tips on how to stay warm, useful information on what residents are entitled to, and contacts for more help and advice, as well as a handy thermometer to help people keep track of how warm their home is.

The leaflets are going to be available via GP surgeries, or can be requested via the Notts County Council’s customer service centre on 0300 500 80 80 with the information also online at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/caring/keep-warm.

Coun Muriel Weisz said: “It’s really important to look after your health and stay warm during winter. Especially as we are seeing energy prices rise, it’s vital that people know what they are entitled to - like winter fuel and cold weather payments - and how to get it.”

“There are simple things that we can all do though to keep our homes warmer, like ensuring our heating is working efficiently, or making sure we have hot meals and drinks.”

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