Your guide to staying safe and warm through the winter months | Tenant news

With very cold weather and some snow and ice in different parts of the country, we've put together some top tips on keeping safe and warm during the cold snap.

Prioritise your health - use your heating 

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care advises everyone to prioritise warmth during the cold weather. On the BBC news website he says:

"We know the low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions." 

He says people at risk should try and keep warm and make sure they are stocked up on any regular medication.

Habinteg's winter support booklet has plenty of tips on keeping warm at home. 

Although lots of us are worried about the rising cost of heat, please do use your heating during the cold snap. Not only will this help to keep you well, it can protect pipes from freezing and bursting which can be a significant problem to fix.

If you're concerned about the cost of heating don’t forget that your energy provider should be able to help you manage or spread the cost - check out or article on this here.

Be prepared with some extra shopping just in case

If you're worried about getting out and about in freezing conditions, its a good idea to stock up on some extra groceries if you can beforehand and make sure you have supplies of any essential medication at home. 

Heating breakdowns

Boiler breakdowns during the winter are classed as an emergency repair. If you experience any problems with your heating or boiler during the cold weather please call Habinteg Direct straight away on direct@habinteg.org.uk or call 0300 365 3100. If your boiler breaks down outside of office hours please contact our out of hours service provider on 0345 601 3389. They'll talk to you about the problem and send someone out if necessary. We'll provide alternative heating sources if the problem can't be sorted that day.

Snowy and Icy conditions

Please take extra care if you're going out and about in icy conditions. All grit bins provided should be topped up and ready to use at this time of year and if you live on a scheme with communal outdoor space Habinteg's landscaping contractors will usually take care of gritting. If we don't provide a landscaping service where you live you are welcome to make use of the grit available in the bins if it is safe for you or a neighbour to do so.

Finally, if you have carers visit you at home and you're worried about them being able to reach you due to disruption on the roads, please contact them directly to learn about their arrangements.

Have you signed up to the tenant portal, My Habinteg, yet? It’s quick and easy, you can access a breakdown of your service charges and there’s a monthly £50 shopping voucher winter prize draw for new users.  Sign up now. And, if you'd like to receive the digital version of tenant newsletter Update, instead of the print version, please email  comms@habinteg.org.uk  and ask to be added to the mailing list.