That's according to Ideal Heat Solutions which has warned of two unfortunate challenges for the cooler months: poor weather and the coronavirus.

With the reliability of electrical and gas supplies put to question, it is important to consider effective temporary measures, as part of a contingency plan, that will assure people’s health and wellbeing will not be put at risk, the firm said.

'Whilst we are always on hand to deliver heat when people need it, in order to bring a site back to its normal function in no time at all and to prevent any unforeseen problems, a contingency plan is the answer. With the onset of colder days ahead of us, this level of assurance – that you can get temporary heat pretty much immediately – pays dividends.

'Let’s take a care home as an example. If for instance, the site is to have an upgraded boiler room in the new year, have they considered what might happen should the old boiler break in the meanwhile? In this case, how will a contingency plan help?

'With a disaster plan, the site would not only ensure temporary heat could be delivered quickly, it assesses or surveys, how that heat can be installed in the safest way. Every building is different, and the design and sensitivity of healthcare facilities is no exception. From access requirements to the need for enabling works, a contingency plan will ensure all bases are covered and nothing’s missed, so that when the heat is required, installation teams can turn up to site and get it back up and running in a swift timeframe.

'It is always worthwhile to highlight which risks have to be controlled, to see what and who will be affected in a worst-case scenario. By pinpointing risk, it will be clearer as to why a contingency plan is needed in the first place. Also bear in mind the risks that are insurable. Always have the necessary financial protection in place to ensure nothing falls between the cracks.

'With health and wellbeing critical in education and healthcare facilities now more than ever, rest assured that in an emergency, temporary heat as part of a comprehensive disaster plan can be the hero this coming winter.'