Free thermometers now available

We've teamed up with WPD to give away free thermometer cards to help older people make sure their homes are warm enough during cold weather.

The thermometer cards tell older people:

• When their home is ideally heated to between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius (65 to 70 degrees Farenheit);

• If their home is too cold which can put them at risk of hypothermia, strokes or heart attacks;

• If their home is too warm and they are at risk of overheating;

The thermometer cards also carry handy information from WPD about what to do in the event of a power cut and how to contact them.

They are available from:

• Age Cymru's free, confidential and impartial advice service, Age Cymru Advice by calling freephone 08000 223 444;

• All Age Cymru shops and Age Cymru Gwynedd a Môn shops;

• Local Age Cymru charity partner offices;

"The cold can make older people more vulnerable to some illnesses" said Age Cymru's Spread the Warmth campaign coordinator Angharad Phillips.

"These thermometer cards we have produced with the support of WPD will help older people to make sure their homes are heated to a safe temperature during cold winter weather."

"From time to time power cuts happen due to circumstances beyond our control, so it's important to be prepared" said Phil Davies, WPD's Network Services Manager for Wales.

"There's now a new national phone line number to report a power cut - simply call 105 and the thermometer cards will also tell older people what to do in the event of an unplanned power cut including tips on food safety and lighting."