Keep warm and safe

Ensuring you stay warm this winter comes with a variety of factors including oil costs, home safety and heating efficiency. This page should guide you on heating your home and keeping yourself warm and well this winter.

Wear several layers of clothes rather than one chunky layer – clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres help maintain body heat
Duvets and blankets can come in useful to keep warm if you heating stops working or your power supplies are cut off
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
Fit draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors
Make sure you have loft insulation. And if you have cavity walls, make sure they are insulated too
Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes
Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep heat generated inside your rooms
Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by furniture or curtains
If you experience a problem with your gas connection contact 0808 1624 444

Heating oil thefts

The Isle of Man Constabulary has become aware of a recent increase in reported thefts of heating oil from both domestic and commercial premises follow this link Heating Oil - Is your tank vulnerable to theft? for more information.

Electricity

If you experience no supply these issues can be reported by calling 687687.
Consider items around your home which may require electrical supplies like your telephones, fridge, freezer, cooker and items like house phones, mobile phones, computers and radios.
A Home Energy Officer is available to discuss simple steps you can take to help you reduce your energy consumption. You could also be eligible for a Green Living Grant which assists Island residents in making their home more energy-efficient.

Power cuts highlight how easily you can be cut off from the outside world if you live in remote areas. Even a battery powered radio can be useful to keep in contact with the outside world.

In the event of a power outage you can also follow the Manx Utilities Facebook or Twitter feed pages for regular updates.

Water

Check your water stopcock is working properly
Read the Manx Utilities information page on frozen pipes and how to go about unfreezing them during cold weather
Flooding advice

Safety in the home

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 Manx Gas 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

Road and pedestrian access

Keep a regular eye on the weather forecasts issued by Ronaldsway Met Office
Stock up on salt and sand to put on steps or paths in icy weather. Visit your local amenity centres or locate your nearest salt bin in your area
View Winter Gritting routes during snow
Tidal Flooding- latest Updates page for more detailed information on how flooding on Island
The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) issue regular updates via Facebook during poor weather conditions to keep you updated on road closures and accessibility

Support services

Fuel Poverty – the Social Security Division, Treasury offers a winter bonus to those who qualify or are entitled to income support. For further details visit the Winter Bonus and Additional Winter Bonus page
Free local Energy Efficiency Advice on heating and insulation at the Manx Energy Advice Centre, The Green Centre, Chester Street Complex, Douglas or by telephoning +44 1624 851482