Staying Safe and Warm at Home This Winter

Boiler Safety and Heating Checks

As temperatures begin to drop, it’s important to ensure your heating system is working safely and efficiently.

Having your boiler serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer can help prevent breakdowns and identify potential safety issues.

If you or a loved one need a reliable heating engineer, you can find local professionals through Checkatrade.

Always ensure anyone carrying out gas work is registered with the Gas Safe Register.

Taking these simple precautions can help keep your home warm, comfortable and safe throughout winter.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

With the clocks going back on Sunday 25th October 2026, now is the perfect time to check that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working correctly.

Working alarms can save lives, particularly for older adults who may find it difficult to respond quickly in an emergency.

Here are a few simple safety checks:

• Test your smoke alarms using the test button.
• Check that carbon monoxide alarms are working correctly.
• Replace batteries where necessary, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Ensure hallways, doorways and escape routes are clear.

Remember, smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month, not just when the clocks change.

Taking a few minutes to check your alarms could make all the difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe.

Free Home Fire Safety Visits in Hertfordshire and Essex

Did you know that local fire and rescue services offer free home fire safety visits to help residents stay safe?

These visits are particularly beneficial for older adults, people living alone and those with reduced mobility.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Hertfordshire offers free home fire safety visits for residents who may be at greater risk of fire. These visits can help identify potential hazards, check smoke alarms and provide practical advice on staying safe at home.

Find out more or request a visit:

Hertfordshire Home Fire Safety Visits

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

Essex also offers free Home Safety Visits to help residents reduce fire risks in their homes.

During these visits, the team can provide fire prevention advice, check existing smoke alarms and install new alarms where appropriate.

Find out more or book a visit:

Essex Free Home Safety Visits

These free services can provide valuable peace of mind for older adults and their families, helping everyone feel safer and more confident at home.

Keeping Warm and Safe This Winter

As temperatures fall, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep your home warm, comfortable and safe, particularly for older adults.

Here are some simple ways to prepare for the colder months:

• Keep your home warm: Aim to heat rooms you regularly use to at least 18°C, particularly if you’re older or have health conditions.
• Use heaters safely: Keep portable heaters away from curtains, furniture and clothing.
• Avoid electrical hazards: Never overload plug sockets or leave electric blankets switched on unless they’re designed for overnight use.
• Prevent trips and falls: Keep hallways and walkways clear, especially during darker winter evenings.
• Dress warmly: Wear several layers of clothing and use blankets to stay comfortable.
• Check on loved ones: Regularly contact older relatives, friends and neighbours to make sure they’re warm and safe.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

At Home Instead East Herts & Uttlesford, we’re passionate about helping older adults remain safe, comfortable and independent in their own homes.

By taking a few simple precautions and looking out for one another, we can help make this winter a safer and more comfortable season for everyone.

A Personal Message from David

As we enter the colder months, I would like to share some simple reminders that can make a real difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe, warm and comfortable at home.

With the clocks going back on Sunday 25 October, now is a great time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because you cannot see, smell or taste it, making a working alarm incredibly important.

I would also encourage everyone to ensure their boiler has been serviced and is ready for winter. If you are looking for a reliable local professional, Checkatrade is a useful place to start. Always check that anyone carrying out gas work is registered with the Gas Safe Register.

Another service I would highly recommend is the free home fire safety visits offered by Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. These visits can provide valuable advice and reassurance, particularly for older adults living independently.

It is also a good idea to keep important contact numbers somewhere easily accessible, including those of family members, neighbours and emergency services.

As winter approaches, I would encourage older adults and their families to check their eligibility for seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations through the NHS.

Most importantly, please remember to look out for one another. Whether it is checking in on an older neighbour, helping someone prepare their home for colder weather or simply making a quick phone call, these small gestures can mean a great deal.

At Home Instead East Herts & Uttlesford, we are passionate about helping older adults live safely, happily and independently in the comfort of their own homes.

If you or a loved one could benefit from some extra support this winter, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly local team.

Wishing you and your families a safe, warm and happy winter.

David
Home Instead East Herts & Uttlesford