Cold-weather emergencies abroad

If you grew up in the Gulf, your first real winter can be a shock. Snow, ice, short dark days and a heating system you have never used all need new skills, and a heating failure in January is a genuine emergency.

Keep your home warm enough

• The NHS and the UK Government's Prepare site advise heating the rooms you use most, such as your bedroom, to at least 18°C.
• Keep windows closed, especially at night, and reduce draughts where you can (UK Government, Prepare).
• Wear several thin layers rather than one thick one, and stay active indoors (UK Government, Prepare).
• Learn how your heating and thermostat work in your first week, before the cold arrives. Ask your landlord or halls to show you.

If the heating or boiler fails

• Tell your landlord or accommodation office straight away, by phone and then in writing, and keep a record.
• Meanwhile, gather in one room, close the doors to other rooms, wear layers, use blankets and have warm drinks and food.
• If you use a portable electric heater, keep it away from bedding, curtains and drying clothes, and turn it off when you sleep or go out (see the fire habits lesson in the Safety When You Live Alone module).
• If your room stays very cold, stay with a friend or go somewhere warm such as a library or campus building, rather than toughing it out.

Carbon monoxide: the invisible danger

• Carbon monoxide has no colour or smell, so you cannot see or smell it (NHS).
• Symptoms include headache, dizziness, feeling sick, weakness, confusion, chest pain and shortness of breath, often easing when you go outside (NHS).
• Have an audible carbon monoxide alarm that meets British or European standards (UK Government, Prepare), ideally in any room with a gas, oil, coal or wood-burning appliance. The Prepare site says the risk from faulty appliances rises in winter.
• Never use barbecues or camping stoves indoors, and never run engines in enclosed spaces (NHS).
• If you suspect it: stop using the appliance if safe, go outside, and get medical advice. In the UK, call the National Gas Helpline on 0800 111 999 (NHS).

Hypothermia: know the signs

• The NHS lists shivering, pale, cold, dry skin, blue or grey lips, slurred speech, slow breathing, tiredness and confusion.
• Hypothermia needs hospital treatment: call 999 or go to A&E (NHS).
• While waiting: move the person somewhere warm, remove wet clothing, wrap them in a blanket including the head, and give a warm non-alcoholic drink if they are fully awake (NHS).
• Do not use a hot bath or hot water bottle, and do not rub their arms or legs (NHS).

Snow, ice and travel

• Wear shoes with good grip on icy pavements (UK Government, Prepare).
• Check Met Office forecasts and warnings, or set alerts in its app for your area (UK Government, Prepare).
• If you drive, the Prepare site suggests packing a few essentials in the boot for cold, wintry weather. Sensible choices include a torch, phone charger, warm clothes, a blanket, food and drink, and a first aid kit.
• Check in with flatmates or neighbours who may struggle, and make sure they have a few days of food in case they cannot go out (NHS).