Older people are being urged to keep warm and safe in the freezing conditions.

Key advice includes:

Keep warm - the cold weather can make heart and respiratory problems worse.

Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps to keep energy levels up.

Wear several layers of warm clothes.

Keep rooms – including the bedroom – warm and close windows. If your house is cold, body temperature will drop and catching a cold is more likely.

Warm the bedroom and bed before turning in for the night. Your bedroom should be kept above 18°C overnight.

Keep as active as possible.

Remember to wrap up warm if you go outside.v If you are over 60, money is available for winter fuel bills.v Be on your guard against bogus callers (for instance, callers who claim to be utility officials asking to come in and check your services).

Cumbria County Council is asking people to look out for any vulnerable people living in their area and to make sure they are alright. An offer of helping with shopping or a quick home visit could make all the difference in the current difficult conditions.

Carers and volunteers are working hard to continue to deliver services and contingency plans have ensured that visits are still being made to vulnerable people.

The council has a database of local contacts who can help reach service users if its own carers are unable to get to properties. These include vulnerable people's families, friends and neighbours. The county council is also in constant contact with volunteer organisations, agencies and contractors which deliver care on its behalf to assess and address any problems.

Anyone whose carer does not turn up should contact their care provider or their local Cumbria County Council Adult Social Care office and we will ensure alternative arrangements are put in place for you.

The contact details are:

Allerdale - 01900 706325

Barrow - 01229 407894

Carlisle - 01228 227000

Copeland - 01946 506352

Eden - 01768 812242v South Lakeland - 01539 713377

Anyone who doesn't receive care from the county council normally but is experiencing problems can contact it on the appropriate number - it will endeavour to help themas well.

An out of hours emergency contact service is also available on 01228 526690 and details are available on the internet via www.cumbria.gov.uk/adultsocialcare/contactus/default.asp Disruption to care services has been relatively minor so far, but includes:

* Two day care services were cancelled today in Allerdale, but appropriate care arrangements were put into place for service users not attending day care.

* Day care services in Brampton were cancelled and many service users in the Carlisle area opted not to travel to day care today. Again, contingency arrangements were made.

* Some home care visits have been missed, but all people affected have received follow up calls.

* Some staff working at residential care homes have experienced difficulties getting into work, but contingency arrangements have been made and ther have been no reported staff shortages impacting on service delivery.

* Meals on wheels services in Appleby and Warcop had to be suspended today.

Cumbria County Council's Cabinet member responsible for adult social care has sent a huge message of thanks and appreciation to all the carers and volunteers working through the freezing weather conditions to ensure that the county's vulnerable people are getting the right support and care in the cold snap.

Coun James Airey said: "Large areas of the country are experiencing difficult conditions and it looks like the freezing spell will continue for some time. At times like this, the selfless dedication of our network of carers and volunteers comes into its own and I'm enormously grateful to all those battling through the snow and freezing weather.

"It is inevitable that there has been some minor service disruption, but we're doing very well and the county council's number one priority throughout has been to safeguard vulnerable people and preserve lives. I'd urge everyone to look out for vulnerable people near you and support your community. If you can see a problem emerging, get in touch with social care before it turns into a crisis."