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Staying Safe, Warm and Well at Home this Winter

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Winter

• Connect to Support

• Good Home Lincs

• Money Talk Lincs

• Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue

• Staying warm at home

• Damp and mould

• Anglian Water

• NHS Winter Advice

• Trips and falls

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Connect to Support

Connect to Support is provided by Lincolnshire County Council and the NHS.

Connect to Support Lincolnshire is your one-stop website for trusted information from health, care, housing and community organisations — all in one place.

Connect to Support provides information on:

Health and wellbeing

Mental health

Support for carers

Living independently

Staying active

Volunteering

Community events and activities

Connect to Support website

Access the Connect to Support website by scanning the QR code or visiting

https://lincolnshire.connecttosupport.org/

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To stay safe and well at home this winter, Connect to Support can be used to:

Get advice on keeping warm at home

Find local services that offer home insulation, heating support, and emergency repairs

Search the community directory to find nearby groups offering wellbeing checks and winter support

Learn how to prevent cold-related health issues like hypothermia and respiratory problems

Find help and resources for adults, carers, and those with long-term health conditions

Explore digital tools to help you live independently and stay connected during winter

Access mental health support and advice for managing seasonal challenges

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Good Home Lincs

Good Home Lincs aims to help Lincolnshire residents to repair, improve, and adapt their homes to help people stay safe, warm and well at home.

The Good Home Lincs resources are provided by Lincolnshire Councils. The Good Home Lincs website is a helpful source of information on lots of topics, including:

Cold, damp homes

Finding trusted tradespeople

How to pay for repairs and adaptations

Safety in the home

Moving home

Good Home Lincs website

Access the Good Home Lincs website by scanning the QR code or visiting

https://lincolnshire.connecttosupport.org/good-home-lincs/

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Healthy Home Assessment

Good Home Lincs also provides a Healthy Home Assessment tool. This is an online tool to help you look at your home, spot any risks and maintenance issues, and provide information on how any problems can be tackled.

How healthy is your home?

Complete the Healthy Home Assessment by scanning the QR code or visiting https://lincolnshire.connecttosupport.org/good-home-lincs/healthy-home-assessment/

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Money Talk Lincs

Finances can be a source of stress to many people. Money Talk Lincs is a section on Connect to Support which gives information on general financial wellbeing. You can find information on:

Debt advice

Food help

Claiming benefits

Council tax support

Pension credit

Planning and budgeting

Reducing your bills

Borrowing and saving

Money Talk Lincs website

Access the Money Talk Lincs pages by scanning the QR code or visiting https://lincolnshire.connecttosupport.org/money-talk-lincs/

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Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue offer lots of information and support about staying safe and warm, and reducing the risk of fire in the home.

Heating Safety

Open fires & log burners:

Always use a fire guard to prevent sparks

Keep chimneys clean and swept regularly

Store fuels (wood, coal) safely away from the fire

Avoid drying clothes near open flames

Before you go to bed, ensure fires are completely out

Make sure your chimney is swept by a professional at least once a year for coal and twice a year if you are burning logs

Portable heaters:

Keep heaters away from curtains, furniture, clothes and other flammable materials

Never use heaters for drying clothes

Secure heaters to prevent tipping

Make sure that portable heaters or radiators are plugged into their own socket and not into an extension

Make sure heaters are well maintained and in good working order

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Always sit at least one metre away from a heater

Before moving your heater, turn it off and allow it to cool

Electric blankets:

Do not use a hot water bottle or bring drinks nearby while you are using your blanket

Unplug your electric blanket before you go to bed unless it has a thermostat for overnight use

Store your electric blanket flat or rolled to avoid damaging wiring

Check regularly for wear and tear and don't use your blanket if wires are visible or poking through the fabric

Don't use a blanket that has scorch marks or discolouration or if the control makes a buzzing sound when it is switched on

Test your blanket every 3 years and replace it if it is over 10 years old

Do not buy second hand electric blankets - they may not meet current safety standards

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and use it as intended

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Electrical safety:

Don't overload sockets—use an online socket calculator to check

Avoid using second-hand electrical goods unless they have been verified safe

Don't run washing machines or dryers overnight or when unattended

Do not use ‘cube’ type adaptors

Do not use damaged cables

Only use the charger that is provided with electrical equipment

Turn off and unplug anything electrical that does not need to be left on

Don't run cords under carpeting, bedding, or other combustible materials

Check any products you have bought are not subject to a product recall

Register your electrical appliances to make sure you are alerted if there is a safety concern with the product

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General home safety:

Complete an online home fire safety check for advice on how to stay safe in your home

Fit working smoke alarms on every floor

Install carbon monoxide detectors near fuel-burning appliances

Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors regularly

Ensure electrical and gas appliances are properly installed and maintained

Have your boiler serviced every year

Avoid using ovens or barbecues to heat rooms

Keep battery-powered torches handy in case of lighting & power cuts

Have an escape plan and keep keys in a place where everyone in your home can find them

Online Home Fire Safety Check

Complete the online home fire safety check by scanning the QR code or visiting https://www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/

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Staying warm at home

There are a number of services in the county to help residents stay warm at home. These services can give information about energy efficiency in the home, such as small changes you can make to stay warm and save money.

These services can also advise on the grants and help available if you want to make changes to your heating system, install insulation or look at other ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

To help stay warm at home in winter and reduce your energy use, think about your:

Heating systems

Use programmable thermostats and timers to heat rooms only when needed

Heat the rooms you use most and lower the temperature in unused spaces

Bleed radiators to ensure they're working efficiently

Close doors to keep heat in individual rooms

Maintain indoor temperatures of at least 18circC, especially for vulnerable individuals

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Insulation & draught proofing

Seal gaps around windows, doors, and floorboards with draught excluders or sealant

Use thermal curtains or blinds to retain heat at night

Insulate your attic and walls if this has not already been done—this can significantly reduce heat loss

Place reflective panels behind radiators on external walls to bounce heat back into the room

Energy-saving habits

Switch to LED bulbs- they use less energy

Turn off appliances at the plug when they are not in use

Use energy-efficient appliances and check the energy ratings when buying new ones

Laundry & cooking

Air dry clothes in well-ventilated areas or use a dehumidifier to avoid damp

Batch cook meals to make the most of oven heat

Keep pan lids on to reduce cooking time and energy use

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Ventilation without heat loss

Ventilate briefly but effectively- open windows for short periods to reduce moisture without losing too much heat

Ensure trickle vents on windows are open to provide ventilation

Personal warmth

Layer up with thermal clothing and socks

Use hot water bottles, heated blankets, or microwaveable heat packs

Keep throws and blankets handy in living areas

HEART and Lincs 4 Warmer Homes provide home energy advice and support for people in Lincolnshire.

HEART Service

(For residents of East Lindsey District Council, Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council). Get more information by scanning the QR code, visiting https://www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/HEART or phoning 01507 613189

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Lincs 4 Warmer Homes

(For residents of West Lindsey District Council, City of Lincoln Council, North Kesteven District Council, South Kesteven District Council). Get further information by scanning the QR code or by phoning 01427 675199

Green Doctors

Further support and information is available through Green Doctors Lincolnshire. Scan the QR code, visit their website or call 0115 9788212 for more information https://www.groundwork.org.uk/fivecounties/green-doctor/

You can also visit the Good Home Lincs pages for more information on staying warm at home (see page 4 of this booklet). Look for the heating and energy tile on the Good Home Lincs website.

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Damp and mould

Damp and mould can be a problem, especially in the winter. It is important to tackle damp and mould if you see it in your home, as it might affect your health.

Here are some top tips for avoiding damp and mould in the home:

Ventilation

Open windows regularly, even for just 10–15 minutes a day, to let moist air escape

Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms during and after cooking or showering

Avoid blocking air vents or trickle vents on windows

Heating

Keep your home at a consistent temperature, ideally above 18circC, to reduce condensation

Use thermostats and timers to maintain warmth without overheating

Avoid sudden drops in temperature which can cause moisture to settle on cold surfaces

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Moisture control

Dry clothes outdoors if possible, or use a well-ventilated room with the door closed and a window open

Cover pots when cooking and use lids to reduce steam

Wipe down windows and sills daily if condensation builds up

Prevention & maintenance

Check for leaks in roofs, pipes, and windows and fix them promptly

Clean mould early with appropriate cleaning products (e.g. mould specific sprays)

Use dehumidifiers in problem areas to reduce moisture levels

Home design tips

Avoid placing furniture directly against cold external walls

Use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel or moisture traps in wardrobes and cupboards

Consider insulating walls and lofts to reduce cold spots where condensation forms

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More information on damp and mould

Find more detailed information about identifying and getting rid of damp and mould by scanning the QR code or visiting: a-guide-to-condensation-damp-mould-gha-draft-leaflet-final-draft.pdf

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Anglian Water

Anglian Water can offer information, advice and help to Lincolnshire residents, including support with paying bills, information on practical support, and how to sign up to the Priority Services Register.

The Priority Services Register is there to support people who might need additional help such as those with health and mobility problems, new and expectant families, and many others.

To protect your home from freezing weather, Anglian Water recommend:

Insulating pipes, water tanks, and outdoor taps using lagging and insulating jackets

Fixing dripping taps to prevent freezing and pipe blockages

Finding and testing your stop tap so you can quickly shut off water in an emergency

Using the frost setting or a low heating setting when you are away from your home, to prevent frozen pipes

Stopping draughts by sealing gaps around doors and windows

Checking outdoor taps: remove hoses, shut valves, and drain pipes

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Checking your water meter: ensure pipes are insulated and the cupboard is sealed

Letting warm air flow in lofts during extreme cold to protect tanks and pipes

Isolating and draining water supplies to unused outbuildings and garages

Knowing what to do in case of burst pipes-turning off the stop tap and calling a plumber

To save water and energy at home:

Take shorter showers- this can save you money on your water and power bills

Use eco-mode or lower temperatures on washing machines and dishwashers

Wait for full loads before running appliances to save water and energy

Anglian Water website

Find out more information about Anglian Water's support by scanning the QR code or by visiting: https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/help-and-advice/

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NHS Winter Advice

The NHS and the UK Health Security Agency have also produced a leaflet, explaining how you can stay well this winter. It gives information about:

Vaccines

Keeping yourself and your home warm

Safety concerns at home

Financial support

Mental health support

Medications

Staying active

Hand washing

Prescriptions

Looking out for others

Where to go for the right medical help

Read the leaflet

To read the leaflet, please scan the QR code below

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Trips and falls

Winter time, when it is dark, icy or there are wet, slippery surfaces, can make it easy to fall. Top tips to minimize the risk of falls are:

Outdoors

Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear with a good grip

Walk slowly and carefully on icy or wet surfaces—take shorter steps

Use handrails when available, especially on steps and ramps

Clear the paths around your home of any ice, snow and leaves, and use grit or salt

Keep outdoor lights on or install motion-sensor lighting to improve visibility

Indoors

Keep floors dry and clutter-free, especially near entrances

If you have to use mats or rugs, ensure you use non-slip mats especially at doorways and in bathrooms

Secure rugs with tape or non-slip backing

Ensure that you have good lighting, especially in hallways and staircases

Avoid trailing cables or objects that could be tripped over

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Extra tips for those with mobility difficulties

Consider using walking aids if balance is an issue

Install grab rails in bathrooms, on stairways and near steps

Keep a phone and emergency contacts handy in case of a fall

Wear clothing that doesn't drag or catch underfoot

For further information on falls and how to prevent them, scan the QR code or visit: https://www.frailtypath.co.uk/falls-information-public

Further advice and guidance can be found by scanning the QR code or visiting: https://www.csp.org.uk/system/files/get_up_and_go_0.pdf

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