Winter is just about here, and this year it won't be just the Christmas decorations to remind us. The rain was everywhere last week, and with it came a sharp drop in temperatures across the UK.

The Met Office is predicting that this could mark the beginning of a trend  this coming winter's overall temperatures are set to drop far below last year's record high of 5.6 degrees Celsius. The Met's most recent prediction is for temperatures to be below 4.3C on average, with just a 45% chance that temperatures will go above.

One of the advantages of colder times ahead is that we won't be seeing daffodils blooming in December again, but cold temperatures can spell danger particularly for elderly or vulnerable people. Colder temperatures are also usually a reason why utility companies put through sharp price increases on gas and electricity.

The following simple pointers should help you in tackling both issues.

If you are a pensioner, or look after an elderly relative, here are some easy ways to help reduce your energy bills, so you can afford to keep warm.

Get help with the bills:

Winter Fuel payments is a scheme operated by the Pension Service and the most important benefit available to help vulnerable citizens deal with the cold! The benefit is worth between £100 and £300 this winter, depending on the age of the beneficiary, and the number of claimants in the household claiming.

The outline rules of the scheme are that anyone who was above the age of 60 between the 17th and 23rd of September qualifies for the payment. If you received Winter Fuel Payment benefit last year, you are automatically qualified to get it again this year, without doing anything.

A full set of rules for the Scheme are available from the Pension Service website as is a downloadable application form.

There are also energy tariffs available, which are specifically geared towards servicing the elderly. Powergen (which will soon change its name to e-On) has a joint offer with the Age Concern charity group. Customers benefit from a free hypothermia alarm, a device that sends out a piercing noise if temperatures fall below a danger threshold and a help number that is specifically geared towards advising elderly and vulnerable customers.

There are over 7,000 gas and electricity deals available to UK energy consumers, and the Age Concern tariff might not always be the cheapest. Other interesting deals currently on offer from our comparison service is Scottish and Southerns Fixed Price 2008 tariff, which combines a very attractive price, with a promise not to raise rates rates until November 30th next year. That is 12 months of not worrying about price increases which are almost certain to come in the months ahead!

But to get these deals you do need to hurry and use this impartial comparison service as winter draws nearer this particular deal will be withdrawn at some point, and it is strictly first come first served.

Get a grant to insulate your home

It is a little publicised fact that local councils, energy suppliers and even the government all offer grant schemes that can help you, or the person you look after, improve the energy efficiency of a home. And we are not talking about a telephone helpline this is hard cash for things like double glazing, cavity wall insulation or loft insulation.

For example, if you or the person you look after receive benefits, chances are that your energy suppliers will do cavity wall insulation for absolutely free, while a government grant could get you other efficiency improvements worth up to £2,700. And even if you don't receive benefits, help is available and the best way to check it out is to visit the Energy Savings Trust website. Here you'll find a tool that lets you view details all the available grants and schemes, using your postcode and current energy supply details.

So here is what you need to do this winter to stay warm:

1. Get help with the bills, by switching supplier if a saving is available, and by getting Winter Fuel Payments sorted either for yourself or the person you look after.
2. Take advantage of the grants that are out there to help you reduce energy consumption and stay warm.

This doesn't just sound easy it is easy. So what are you waiting for?