RESIDENTS in East Lancashire have been urged to help look after those vulnerable to cold weather as the mercury remains below freezing.

People have been urged to extend a helping hand to both the elderly and the homeless, two groups at particular risk as the region continues to be exposed to sub-zero temperatures, snow, and ice.

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The Met Office has issued an amber cold weather alert in the north west, which calls on residents to take ‘severe weather action’ and is one warning shy of a national emergency.

The temperature in East Lancashire is expected to remain at or around the 0C mark until Friday, with cold winds making it feel even colder.

Snow is also expected to fall tonight and tomorrow morning.

It will make way for sleet on Friday as temperatures grow slightly milder, although only slightly, with forecasters predicting around 4C.

Age UK Blackburn with Darwen has issued four tips as the charity urged older people to take measures to stay ‘warm and well’.

It said it is harder for the elderly to judge temperatures, and recommended using a thermometer to detect changes and act quickly.

Living rooms should be kept at 21C and bedrooms should be kept at 18C if possible.

Bedroom windows should be kept shut. The charity said it is a ‘common misconception’ that sleeping with a window open was healthy and actually increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Fingers, the mouth, and head, should be particularly protected as they are more sensitive to changes in temperature. Breathing in cold air increasing the risk of falling ill.

A spokesman said: “Cold homes clearly pose a serious health risk and with energy bills on the rise again, many older people will be struggling to heat their homes and could be missing out on vital extra support.”

A free Winter Wrapped Up booklet and free thermometer is available from the charity’s office in King Street, Blackburn.

Wes Hall, from Home The Homeless East Lancashire, said: “This week is one of the coldest we’ve had recently and we’ve been out across Lancashire in the early hours each night handing out emergency aluminium survival blankets to protect rough sleepers from hyperthermia.

“There’s far too many people dying on the streets and we’re doing all we can to help those people who are sadly struggling on their own without the bare essentials they need to survive.”

Pensioners and some people on benefits are also reminded that later this week they may qualify for a Cold Weather Payment . A grant of £25 is given for any consecutive seven days period during which the temperature is on average 0C or below until March 31.