Many people, particularly the elderly, will be alone over the New Year, and their neighbours were yesterday urged to keep a check on them.
The chief executive officer of the Western Health Board, Dr Sheelah Ryan, drew attention to the loneliness those living alone can feel at this time of year.
"The true spirit of the season can be enhanced if families, neighbours, the general public and older people themselves give heed to some very simple health promotion advice," she said.
Dr Ryan urged people to check on their neighbours morning and evening, particularly those who were elderly or housebound.
"Practical help can include bringing in solid fuel, ensuring that the water supply is OK and checking that there is sufficient food in the house, including non-perishable foods," she said.
Where neighbours were worried about what they found they should contact the emergency services, including the health services, without delay, she advised.
Offering advice to the elderly themselves, she suggested they stay indoors if at all possible during severe weather. They should use one room day and night if heating more than one room was not practical, take frequent warm drinks and nourishing hot food, wear warm clothes, keep active within the house, and if possible maintain phone contact with relatives.
Dr Ryan warned of the danger of hypothermia. Signs include shivering, cold, pale skin, a puffy face, apathy and poor co-ordination. Medical aid should be summoned and if the person is alert they should be given a warm non-alcoholic drink.