Ireland is in the grip of a cold weather snap, and people are struggling to keep the heat on.
Even everyday activities can become a major hassle when you have to scrape an iced-over windshield or brave the snow and ice merely to get to work or run a simple errand.
Met Eireann has forecasted snow in many areas and the coldest winter we’ve seen in years.
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Staying indoors with a nicely lit fire, a cup of tea and your favourite film on the telly sounds like a dream plan for some.
You can count on these useful cold weather hacks to see you through the freezing weather and to stay warm inside and outside.
Layer up
Wearing lots of layers, rather than one thick piece of clothing, is a smart way to keep warm in winter.
Base layers such as thermal vests or long sleeve tops are fairly inexpensive and can work well to trap heat. Keep a look out for clothing made from wool, cotton or fleece fabric.
Keep draughts out and heat in
Try and block any areas in your home that are particularly draughty, including around window frames, keyholes and under doors.
Keep your curtains open in the day to let light and warmth in, and draw them before it gets dark to avoid losing heat.
Wear thick socks and slippers
Fuzzy socks, slippers or a pair of shoes you reserve for wearing around the house can add extra comfort.
Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures.
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it's produced.
Keep your hands and feet warm is important, as they’re generally the first areas of your body to feel the cold.
Drink hot beverages
Consume warm drinks to keep your body temperature up.
Have a cup of tea or coffee in the morning, a bowl of hot soup at lunchtime and a mug of warm hot chocolate in the evening.
Clear the footpath
Clearing snow and ice from the pavement outside your home or public spaces can help prevent slips and falls.
Start removing the snow and ice in the morning.
If you remove the top layer of snow in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help melt any ice beneath.
You can then cover the path with salt before nightfall to stop it refreezing overnight.
Use salt or sand - not water. If you use water to melt the snow, it may refreeze and turn to black ice. Black ice increases the risk of injuries as it is invisible and very slippery.
You can melt snow or prevent black ice by spreading some salt on the area you have cleared.
You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt - a tablespoon for each square metre you clear should work.
Check that any elderly or disabled neighbours are alright in the cold weather.
If you're worried about them, try contacting their relatives or friends, or if necessary the local council.
Keep moving your body
Doing some exercise is good for your mood and blood circulation.
Even a short walk will help warm you up, but make sure to take care with icy pavements.
When we’re feeling cold, we often don’t feel like taking some exercise or going out into the elements, but a walk to the local shop or a neighbour will get your circulation moving.
Even doing some gentle exercise in the house will help too.
Defrost your windscreen
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to prepare for hazardous conditions on roads and footpaths as Met Eireann has issued a warning for low temperatures and ice.
When you're in a rush on a frosty morning, the last thing you need is an iced-over windscreen.
The AA says if you use hot water on an iced-over car, you run the real risk of damaging your windscreen.
Make sure your wipers aren’t on before you switch the car on.
If the wipers are frozen to the glass, the wiper motor could be damaged or the rubber could tear off if they start wiping.
Switch on the engine and turn on the warm air blower on the windscreen.
Turn on the air-con. It's not just for summer – it'll remove moisture from the air to stop the car misting up.
Clear all the snow off the car. A soft brush is good for clearing the front grille (otherwise there is risk of the engine overheating).
Use a scraper and de-icer on the outside of your car while you wait for the inside to warm up.
Don't drive off until all of the glass is clear.
Run your ceiling fan on low and spin it clockwise
Run your ceiling fan on low and spin it clockwise. Doing this will push the warm air rising to the ceiling back down.
Do this a couple of times to produce warm air around the room.
Ask for further help
Many more homes are facing higher energy bills this winter.
There are several organisations that you can go to, starting for example with your local Citizens Advice.
They can help check that people are getting all the government help that they are eligible for this winter.
They can also talk through any grants that may be available for energy efficiency improvement.
Hot water bottles
Hot water bottles can be great for keeping you warm, whether it’s by warming up your bed in the winter, keeping you snug on the sofa while binge watching a series.
The rubber or thermoplastic bottle has insulating properties which prevent all the heat from the hot water escaping right away.
Clean windows of your home
Before you start cleaning your windows, it's important to remove any snow or ice that may be on them.
Otherwise, you risk damaging your windows or leaving behind streaks and smears.
The best way to remove snow and ice is with a soft brush.
Begin at the top of the window and work your way down carefully, so you don't apply too much force.
Vinegar is your best friend if you're looking for a streak-free finish.
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz it on your windows.
Then, use a lint-free cloth or newspaper to wipe the solution away.
Replace thin curtains with heavier wool or fleece drapes in the winter. But be sure to open them on sunny days for free heat.
Keep radiators clear
A radiator won’t produce maximum heat unless air can flow through it. If your room feels chilly, make sure furniture or other items aren’t restricting airflow.
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