Public agencies in Cumbria are gearing up for freezing temperatures to persist across the county into the weekend.

Doctors at NHS Cumbria are reminding people of the steps they should take to make sure they stay safe and well.

To keep warm and well during periods of cold weather: * Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts.

* Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter. * Wear several light layers of warm clothes (rather than one chunky layer). * Keep as active as possible.

* Wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days.

Keep your main living room at around 18- 21°C (64-70°F), and the rest of the house at least 16°C (61°F). If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before you go to sleep.

Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to cold weather. Cold weather is especially dangerous for older people or people with serious illnesses, so check up on them if you can.

People with heart or respiratory (breathing) problems may have worse symptoms during a cold spell and for several days after temperatures return to normal.

Young people should also be careful if heading out in the evening as temperatures contiue to drop even further overnight.

Basic tips include: * Dress appropriately for the weather with warm clothing including a coat; * Make sure you have a plan to get home safely and you inform friends or family of your intentions, but never drink drive or resort to walking home alone; * Make sure if you’re drinking, that you keep an eye on the number of drinks you’ve had; * Look out for your friends, stick together and make sure you tell someone if you decide to leave early or change your plans; * Don’t place yourself in danger, and always tell someone of your intentions if your plans change.

Dr Nigel Calvert, NHS Cumbria’s associate director of public health, said: “The persistent freezing weather which we are seeing across the county continues to present a health risk, particularly to older people and those with underlying medical conditions.

“It is very important for people to look after themselves and others around them, and to take sensible steps to reduce the risk of injury or illness.”