Extreme cold and winter weather

Cold weather can affect your health, your home and local services.

Freezing temperatures, snow and ice can increase the risk of illness, falls, frozen pipes and travel disruption.

Stay warm and well

Keeping warm is important, particularly if you:

  • are aged 65 or over
  • have a long-term health condition
  • are pregnant
  • have young children

You should:

  • heat your main living room to at least 18°C if you are vulnerable or spend long periods at home
  • wear several thin layers of clothing
  • keep active where possible
  • make sure you have enough food, medication and essentials

Visit a Warm Space

If you are struggling to keep your home warm, you can visit a Warm Space.

Warm Spaces are free community locations where you can:

  • stay warm
  • access free Wi-Fi
  • get information and support
  • have a hot drink

Find a Warm Space in Croydon.

Get help with energy costs

If you are finding it difficult to heat your home, you may be able to get advice and support through the Healthy Homes service.

Find out about Croydon Healthy Homes.

Protect your home

Prevent frozen pipes

During freezing weather you can help prevent frozen pipes by:

  • insulating exposed pipes
  • knowing where your water stopcock is
  • keeping your heating on at a low temperature

If a pipe freezes or bursts, turn off your water supply and contact your water provider.

Road gritting

The council treats priority roads and footpaths during freezing weather.

View the gritting map

Waste and recycling collections

Snow and ice can sometimes disrupt waste and recycling collections.

If severe weather delays collections, leave your bins at the collection point. We will collect them as soon as it is safe to do so.

Check on neighbours

Consider checking on neighbours who may be vulnerable during cold weather, especially:

  • older people
  • people with disabilities
  • people with long-term health conditions

Make sure they have enough food, heating and medication.

Report rough sleeping

Cold weather can be dangerous for people sleeping rough.

If you see someone sleeping rough, report their location through StreetLink so outreach services can offer support.

StreetLink

Telephone: 0300 500 0914
Website: thestreetlink.org.uk