The energy crisis means some families are having to be dangerously careful about their energy consumption in the home, which in turn will put thousands of adults and children at risk of hypothermia over the colder months. Health and safety training provider CE Safety has highlighted the importance of knowing the signs of hypothermia in both adults and children ahead of temperatures getting colder and how to keep warm in the home.
Gary Ellis, Director at CE Safety said: “It’s not well known that hypothermia can occur in the home, most people associate it with being outside or only in extreme temperatures. In fact, hypothermia can occur if the body temperature drops below 35°c in just 10 minutes wherever you are if the temperature is cold enough.
"It’s vital to know the severity of hypothermia, how to spot it and what to do if someone is showing symptoms."
Symptoms of hypothermia in adults
Pale, dry and cold skin
Speech may be slurred
Confusion
Tiredness
Slow breathing
Symptoms of hypothermia in babies and children
Cold skin to the touch
Refusing to eat or feed
Floppy limbs
How to keep your children and babies warm this winter at home
CE Safety advises to keep your children warm by dressing them in layers. Layering is key to trapping the heat in and wicking away any moisture as sweat can make you lose heat very quickly. For babies, wrap them in a swaddling blanket, or if they don’t like these choose a baby-safe sleeping bag or a footed cotton sleepsuit.
A lot of heat is lost through the head and hands, so ensure these are covered with a baby cap or hat and mittens. Make sure your babies and children are also wearing socks to avoid heat loss through the feet.
