Continued cold snap prompts renewed public health warning

People across the country are being called upon to take extra precautions to safeguard their health as the UK continues to experience extremely low temperatures.

The Met Office has extended its Level 3 cold weather alert to include the south-west, having previously offered this warning in the south-east, the East Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber, the West Midlands, the north-east and the north-west.

This period of cold weather is expected to last until February 9th 2015, with the east of England and London on a Level 2 alert. This increases the risk of slips, trips and falls, as well as people's vulnerability to illness.

Britons have also been reminded of the need to check up on friends and family members who may be particularly vulnerable, including the very old and very young, as well as those with pre-existing health conditions.

Dr Angie Bone, head of extreme events at Public Health England, said: "Although most of our advice on keeping warm and well in cold weather may seem like common sense, it's important to remember that cold kills, even in places where the temperatures aren't at their lowest."

The Department of Health has allocated more than 700 million pounds to help the NHS manage its winter pressures, with more patients being admitted to emergency departments during periods of cold weather.