The Met Office has issued a severe cold weather warning to last from this evening (Wednesday) through to Monday, December 12, in most parts of England.

With such cold snaps comes increased health risks to vulnerable people especially.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and to look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

"Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk," says UKHSA's Dr Agostinho Sousa, consultant in Public in Health Medicine.

"If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. Try to heat the rooms you use most, such as the living and bedroom to at least 18 degrees centigrade, if you can keep your bedroom windows closed at night."

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say, if you need to heat only a small area of your home, a portable heater is more efficient and cost-effective. 

They recommend using an electric oil-filled radiator rather than any other type of heater, but warn that they should always been placed at least a metre away from curtains, bedding and upholstery, and are switched off and unplugged before going to bed.

They also say that candles are definitely not a safe or efficient way to heat your home.

Other advice to help keep warm includes wearing several layers of clothing as this will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.

Residents are also asked to look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold.

The cold weather warning triggers contingency plans for health and care providers across Devon to ensure that people continue to receive the care they need wherever possible.

Adult social care teams are in regular contact with the care providers commissioned in Devon, and are porvided with guidance and advice on their continuity planning for extreme winter weather. Care providers have arrangements in place to maintain services wherever possible, and prioritise by risk where necessary.

And Libraries Unlimited, which runs libraries in Devon, are keen for people to use libraries as warm spaces.

Steve Brown, Devon's Director of Public Health Devon, said: "It's going to get colder over the next few days. We know that many households are being very careful about the amount of energy they use to heat their home, due to the high costs. But cold weather places a strain on the body and impacts on people's health, especially if they're vulnerable.

"Please follow the UKHSA advice. At the least, try to keep your living room and bedroom at a minimum 18 degrees; wear layers of clothing; and look out for vulnerable friends and neighbours. 

"Eating and drinking warm food and drinks will also help our bodies' core temperature."

Staying safe on the roads

Meanwhile, gritters are going out this week for the first significant operation of the autumn and winter season on motorways and major A-roads as temperatures dip across the country.

National Highways, which operates England's 4,500-mile strategic road network, is urging drivers to take care during the poor weather while also giving gritting teams space to operate.

The government-owned company switched over to autumn and winter operations on October 1, readying teams at 128 depots across the country to keep the country's busiest roads open in the face of deteriorating weather.

This includes monitoring Met Office weather forecasts along with regular road assessments from meteorological experts DTN and MetDesk.

With milder weather in October and November, minimal action was needed on our roads network with road surface temperatures staying above one degree until now.

That has now changed, with National Highways' comprehensive forecasting services indicating road surfaces are at risk of developing ice in certain regions today – triggering the need for gritter drivers in numerous areas to conduct their first salt spreading runs of the season.

Essential advice for motorists this winter season

• Stick to the main roads where you can and only travel if necessary.
• Slow down – it can take 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions.
• Use a high gear – this will help avoid wheel spin.
• Accelerate gently, using low revs. You may need to take off in second gear to avoid skidding.
• You may need up to 10 times the normal gap between your car and the car in front.
• Try not to brake suddenly – it may lock up your wheels and you could skid further.
• Be extra cautious at road junctions where road markings may not be visible.
• Look out for gritters spreading salt or using snow ploughs, and only overtake if it's safe to do so.

Darren Clark, Severe Weather Resilience Manager at National Highways, said: "We manage a huge roads network nationwide – with over 4,500 miles of motorways and A-roads.

"Not all roads will need treating on any given day. Gritters may need to go out in some regions if road temperatures fall below +1 degrees C, and if there is a risk of ice forming, but not in other areas if conditions are not as cold.

"National Highways is committed to treating every road which needs to be treated – whenever it is needed. We are armed with the latest technology, forecasting intelligence and years of experience to help us make informed decisions about where and when we need to spread salt to help keep road users safe in even the most adverse weather conditions."