Winter storms with high winds, freezing rain, significant snowfall, and/or dangerously cold temperatures can last for many days. The elderly and disabled often need assistance to prepare for a storm and need to be checked during that time as well. There are many things we can do to assist them during this period:
- Stay up-to-date on weather reports.
- Be sure a family member, friend, or neighbor is going to check on elderly and disabled persons as you may not be able to do that yourself.
- Encourage them to have at least a 3-day supply of food and water in their home. Include foods that do not need cooked should the electric go out.
- Ensure they have enough medications to get them through at least 7 days.
- A fully-charged cell phone is advisable as land-lines may be down interrupting service.
- Be sure that there is an Emergency Contact list and that they are reminded that they can use 911 as a contact for any needs.
- Discourage use of electric blankets as they can cause burns if left on while sleeping. Instead add extra blankets.
- Dress in layers to keep warm.
- Be sure fireplaces, wood and pellet stoves, and space heaters are working properly and vented. Ensure they do not present a fire hazard. Ensure electric heaters are not plugged into extension cords.
- Discourage the use of gas stoves from being used for heating.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Be sure vents to outside are not covered by snow or debris.
- Encourage elderly and disabled not to go outdoors to shovel snow or clear sidewalks as this could cause significant risk for heart attack as well as falls with major injury.
- If possible hire someone to keep walkways clear and bring in paper or mail.
- Stay in touch. Call just to chat for a few minutes. Winter storms can be very isolating for our seniors.
