10 ways for seniors, at-risk residents to stay safe in winter
Winter safety: 10 ways for seniors and at-risk residents to stay safe
Frigid weather can come on quickly, with little warning.
Not only can driving or walking conditions become exceptionally perilous, but power outages can create potentially life-threatening emergencies.
Winter can be an especially dangerous time for senior citizens and those with serious health concerns.
For the most vulnerable among us, an important tip to keep in mind during the colder months is to ask for help. Whether you need to clear your property of snow and ice, or stock up on groceries, you should feel free to reach out to a family member or neighbor.
Here are 10 ways that those with medical issues and other vulnerable residents can help prepare and protect themselves from the dangerous effects of frigid weather, as suggested by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, the American Association of Retired Persons, and healthinaging.org.
Stock-up on medications and medical devices
Aging adults and those with serious health issues should have at least a seven-day supply of their medications. Keeping a list of the medications along with the dose, frequency, and contact information for the prescribing doctors and pharmacists is a helpful resource when preparing for winter storms. It is also a good idea to keep back-ups of wheelchair batteries, oxygen, and other medical devices.
Winter storms and severe weather conditions can lead to road closures and fallen trees and power lines, making it difficult for family members to check on those under their care. Make a contact information sheet with friends and family who live close by, as well as neighbors. You may also consider giving a few trusted friends or neighbors a key to your home, allowing them to check on you in the event of an emergency.
Make sure that cellphones and other important electrical devices are fully charged, flashlights are placed within reach and have fresh batteries and emergency lights are working. If you use oxygen, bi-pap, c-pap or other equipment that requires electricity, consider purchasing a generator. Make sure a battery-powered radio is on hand as well. Longer power outages can spoil the food in refrigerators and freezers so stock up on non-perishable foods that can be eaten cold.
Using a fireplace, gas heater or lanterns can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure your safety by checking the batteries on carbon monoxide detectors and buying an updated one if needed. If you use a gas-powered heater or generator, make sure there is at least one functional carbon monoxide detector in the home. If you use electric heaters, inspect all power cords for fraying and get rid of any damaged devices.
Electric blankets can keep you warm, but they must be used carefully to avoid burns, electric shocks and even fires. Any electric blankets or mattress pads that are more than a few years old may need to be replaced. The coils inside the fabric as well as the power cords and controls can get damaged over time, increasing the risk of accident or injury. Look for a model that has an automatic shutoff feature. Individuals with poor circulation or nerve damage should also exercise extreme caution when using heated blankets to avoid thermal burns.
Purchase extra winter clothing and blankets
Severe winter storms can cause power outages, which means that those you care for will need to bundle up indoors. Make sure they are equipped with jackets, hats, gloves, and warm socks. It is also a good idea to have blankets in the rooms where those you care for like to spend most of their time. This way blankets are easily available to them wherever they are in house.
Shovel and salt walkways
One of the biggest dangers for seniors is falling, since there is a much larger risk of breaking a bone or being left unattended for hours, or even days, at a time. Sidewalks slick with ice and snow pose a serious falling hazard for an elderly person. Make sure that your porch, driveway, steps, sidewalk, etc. have been thoroughly salted and shoveled. Be sure to maximize your stability by ensuring you have well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles and new tips or treads on any mobility aids you use.
Preparedness away from home
If an excursion is necessary, be sure to inform someone of your destination and expected time frame. Be attentive to winter weather advisories and travel warnings, and take them seriously. Make sure they allow plenty of time to arrive at their destination. Keeping a cell-phone on your person is also an excellent idea. If you are technology-averse, get a friend or family member to help you set up the phone to make emergency calls with as little navigation as possible.
Because it can be difficult and dangerous to get around, many older adults have less contact with others during cold months, which can breed feelings of loneliness and isolation. To help avoid these issues, check in with family members and friends as often as possible. Seniors can also arrange a check-in system with neighbors and friends, where each person looks in on one or two others daily.
Seniors are especially prone to dehydration because they tend to eat and drink less than younger people, thus they consume less water. In general, people feel less thirsty during the winter and do not drink as much fluid as they should. Cold, dry air also contributes to moisture loss, so make sure you are drinking consistently. Signs of dehydration include infrequent urination, dark urine, dizziness and confusion.
Plan for the animals. If you're caring for pets, make sure they have enough food and medications to last several weeks if inclement weather is in the forecast.
To report a power outage, contact:
City of New Bern Electric Department at (252) 636-4070
Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative (Havelock)-(252) 247-3107
To report a water line problem, contact:
City of New Bern Water Resources System Maintenance Division-252) 639-7541
City of Havelock Public Utilities-252-670-0663
Town of Vanceboro Public Works- 252-244-0919
Craven County offers several federally funded energy programs that grant assistance to households in an emergency situation. For more information visit https://www.cravencountync.gov/1862/Energy-Programs
• Crisis Intervention Program
The goal of the CIP program is to help families stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing the risk of health and safety problems. The maximum allowed benefit amount can be up to $600 per application, per crisis situation.
• Low Income Energy Assistance
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides for a one-time payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills. Only households containing an elderly person age 60 and above or a disabled persons receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) are eligible to potentially receive benefits from Dec. 1 to 31.