Getting your home ready
Home Heating
Keeping your home warm and energy-efficient is vital. Ensure your heating system is in good working order Replace air filters and have your furnace or heating source inspected to prevent breakdowns during the colder months.
Advice from Public Health IOM recommends, setting your heating to a suitable temperature (18-21 °C, 65-70 °F), will keep your home warm. Keep your bedroom windows closed at night when the weather is cold. Your heating systems should be serviced and if you have a coal fire arrange for the chimney to be swept or alternatively ask your landlord to do this if it is their responsibility.
For wood-burners, coal or gas heaters make sure the rooms are well ventilated.
Safeguarding your oil tank
Preventing oil tank theft is paramount for winter preparedness, especially given the recent surge in reported incidents within both domestic and commercial properties on the Isle of Man. With heating oil being a vital resource for warmth during the colder months, safeguarding your tank is essential. Theft not only leads to financial losses but also leaves individuals and families without a crucial heating source, potentially causing discomfort and health risks during the winter.
Implementing security measures, such as locks, alarms, or placing tanks in well-lit areas, helps deter theft, ensuring uninterrupted access to heating oil for a safe and comfortable winter season.
Insulate Windows and Doors
Consider insulating windows and doors to keep the warmth inside, reducing energy costs and environmental impact. Seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors to prevent drafts.
A Home Energy Officer is available to discuss simple steps you can take to help you reduce your energy consumption. You could also check-out the Green-Living Scheme (Department for Enterprise) or the Energy Efficiency Scheme (Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture) to make your home smarter, greener and warmer this winter.
Advice from Public Health IOM recommends, you also insulate your hot water cylinder and pipers, as well as drawing your curtains at dusk to help keep heat generated inside your rooms, and to make sure your radiators are not obstructed by furniture or curtains.
If you experience a problem with your gas connection contact 0808 1624 444.
Stock up on supplies
In case the weather takes a turn for the worst, having a well-stocked house and car is crucial. Make sure you have enough essential supplies to sustain yourself and your family, reducing the need to venture out during hazardous conditions.
Create a winter emergency kit with essential supplies like non-perishable food, bottled water, candles, matches, and a portable heater. Ensure you have an adequate supply of prescription medications.
Safety in the home
Advice from Public Health IOM’s ‘Keep Warm and Safe’ webpage recommends you to make sure the batteries in your smoke alarms are tested regularly and that electric blankets are serviced at least every three years. Remember never use a hot water bottle with an electric blanket.
For more advice contact our local Fire and Rescue Service who offer community advice and help with the fitting and testing of these items.
Install a carbon monoxide detector in case air vents become blocked, for more advice view Isle of Man Energy Carbon Monoxide safety pages. Do not use a gas cooker or oven to heat your home; it is inefficient and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and this can kill.
Learn a few simple first aid steps; such as how to deal with strains and sprains or broken bones, as trips and falls can increase in icy weather. The St John Ambulance website offers easy simple advice on first aid.
Don't be afraid to ask for help either by contacting friends, relatives, neighbours, your GP, Social Worker, District Nurse, or Housing Officer and remember, in a life threatening situation you should always dial 999 immediately.
Also see: NHS Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Photo: Courtesy of Manx National Heritage
