Housing Emergency Numbers
For properties managed by Housing Contract Services:
WEC Wandsworth Emergency Control (24 hours) 020 8871 7490
Warden Services (24 hours) 020 8871 7741 
Seaflame communal hot water systems 0800 389 1472
Individual hot water systems 0800 389 1475
Housing Heating Team (020) 8871 7040.

The department of health has also released a guide called 'Keep Warm Keep Well: Winter Guide 2006/07'. It is available in normal and large print pdf from their site.

 Top tips for keeping warm and well:

1.Insulate your home
Reduce heat loss from your home, fit draught proofing.

2. Get financial support
The Pension Service, the Warm Front Scheme and the Home Heat Helpline offer advice and help to increase energy-efficiency and reduce fuel bills. Claim all the benefits you are entitled to.

3. Heat well
Try to keep a temperature of 21°C in the main rooms. Your bedroom should be kept above 18°C overnight. You may also want to use a hot water bottle OR electric blanket  ( not both!).

4. Dress warm
Wear plenty of layers, put on a good coat, hat, scarf and gloves when you go outside.

5. Eat well
Food is a vital source of warmth, so try to have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day.

6. Keep moving
Moving around is good for your health and generates extra body heat, so any exercise will help keep you warm.

7. Stop smoking
By stopping smoking you will boost your health for the winter, reduce your chances of a heart attack and improve your body's circulation.

8. Get a flu jab
A flu jab is available free from your doctor if you are 65 or over.

9. Keep safe and look out for neighbours
If you have an older neighbour or relative, keep an eye out for them in the winter and make sure they are safe and well.

10. Press Your WATCH Lifeline
Consider having the WATCH lifeline installed if you that you need a little extra assistance or reassurance. This is a press button alarm service for older and disabled people in the borough. If you have an emergency then a trained officer will visit you, if required.
The council receive more alarm alerts during winter!
To find out more see: www.wandsworth.gov.uk/watch

 Water, heating and burst pipes
Before very cold weather comes make sure that you know where your mains water stopcock is and that it works just in case your pipes freeze and crack.

Make sure that tanks and pipes are well insulated, that means wrapped up with cloth or fibreglass. Always make sure that your home is insured in case the contents are damaged by flooding.

If you do have frozen pipes do not use your hot water until they have fully thawed and try to clear any airlocks that may also be preventing water flow. If you're unsure of anything then call in qualified help before attempting anything yourself. If you are a council tenant, call your area team or Wandsworth Emergency Control in an emergency. If you are a private tenant, contact your landlord. Leaseholders and homeowners should call a CORGI registered engineer.

 Protecting against carbon monoxide
Each year, more than 50 people in England and Wales die of carbon monoxide poisoning because of badly installed heaters and cookers. The best way to prevent any accidents is to have all gas and fossil fuel appliances and flues serviced regularly.
 
If you're a tenant make sure you let the council check your gas appliances. The council will notify tenants when their service is due and (council staff and its contractors always carry identification).
For further information and advice call the housing heating team on (020) 8871 7040.

We strongly advise leaseholders and private tenants to organise annual servicing of their appliances by a CORGI registered gas engineer.
It is also a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors.

 Christmas light safety 

• Remember to check the manufacturer's instructions on appliances such as Christmas trees and lights.
• Place your tree and decorations away from heating appliances.
• Turn off your tree lights before going to bed.
• Buy and install a fire alarm.
• Never leave candles unattended or let children play with them or matches.
• Do not overload electrical sockets.
  

 Help with heating costs for over 60's

A Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help people aged 60 and over with the costs of keeping warm in winter. If you are aged 60 to 79 and you are entitled to receive a Winter Fuel Payment, you will get either £100 or £200, depending on your circumstances in the qualifying week (18-24 September 2006).
If you are aged 80 or over and you are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment, you will get an extra £50 or £100, so you could get up to £300, depending on your circumstances in the qualifying week. You can get more information about this scheme from the pension service winter fuel payments pages.

You can get more information about this scheme from the pension service winter fuel payments pages or by calling the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 08459 15 15 15 (0845 601 5613 for textphone users). Lines are open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Council tenants can find more information on the council tenants section of this site.

 Keep your bills down
As winter is approaching many people turn up the heating and have more lights on around the house as the early nights creep in. By following a few useful tips you could keep the costs down. 

• Draw the curtains at dusk, close doors behind you, keep windows and doors closed when the heating is on (although if using a gas heater make sure the room is ventilated with a flue).
• Switch off lights when leaving each room
• Make sure your loft has 250mm (10inches) of loft insulation
• Fit foil behind radiators to reflect heat back in the room
• Don't overfill your kettle – only put in the water you need
• Switch off the TV- standby uses nearly as much power as when it's fully on
• Your hot water tank should be set to around 60°C
• Wash clothes and linen at 30 or 40°C (modern detergents perform better) 
• Take a shower– it uses less water than a bath

Your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre provides free, impartial advice, call them FREE on 0800 512012 or visit www.est.org.uk/myhome/swlondon

 Your health
People are more likely to fall ill with cold or flu in winter. Those who are a more fragile or vulnerable such as the older people, very young or people with existing health issues are more likely to have problems such as heart attacks, stroke, and pneumonia. It is important to take care of yourself, your family, and keep an eye on your neighbours when the weather turns cold.

Those with respiratory problems or at a certain age are entitled to a free flu jab and should call the NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 to find out more details. Your local GP should also be able to arrange this for you.
You should always remember to wrap up warm when you leave the house and again stay warm in-doors by wearing several layers of thin clothes to trap the heat and slippers (make sure that you slippers have a good grip and are not showing signs of wear and tear). You lose a lot of heat through your head so remember to wear a hat or headscarf.

No matter what time of year it is you should try to do some light exercise each day and remember to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. In the winter months this will help ward of any illnesses.