UKHSA and Met Office issue Amber weather warning

UKHSA and Met Office issue Amber weather warning

The Met Office and the UKHSA have issued an AMBER Cold Weather Alert for the North West of England until Monday 5 January 2026. Cold health alerts | UKHSA data dashboard.

Knowsley residents are advised to take care and follow the tips below to ensure they stay safe:

• If you have a long-term condition and start to feel unwell, get advice from your pharmacist.
• Ensure you have plenty of warm food and drinks.
• Wear lots of thin layers (clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy fibres).
• Homes should be heated to the right temperature: at least 18°C (65F).
• If you can't heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to bed.
• Keep heaters and fires away from clothes, blankets and other combustible materials.
• Ensure electric blankets are safe to use. Check that wires are not frayed. Once an electric blanket has been switched on, do not leave it unattended.
• If you have a gas/solid fuel appliance/boiler, consider getting an audible carbon monoxide alarm and test it weekly - this could save your life.
• Please bear in mind the importance of circulating air indoors this winter, to mitigate the effects of viruses in circulation, including Covid-19.
• Try to stay as active as possible. Spending more time indoors may result in a reduction of activity, which could have health and wellbeing related risks.
• Check on elderly and vulnerable relatives and neighbours
• For those who have not yet done so Covid-19 and flu vaccinations continue to be available. For more information on eligibility and how to book for either flu or Covid-19 visit Flu vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Local support to stay warm and well is available across the borough. For information about which services are open, what they are providing and opening times please visit Cost of living support - Knowsley News. For anyone not able to access this service please call the cost-of-living helpline on 0151 443 3300 or for fuel support call the Emergency Support scheme on 0151 443 3200.

More information and advice to help people to stay safe, warm and healthy during with extreme winter weather can be found at https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weatherready.