Winter is a beautiful season filled with snow-capped landscapes and holiday festivities, but it also brings cold temperatures, power failures, treacherous storms, and difficult traveling conditions. With the colder months on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about preparing for winter conditions. In the winter elders are more prone to accidents and illness, which is why it’s especially important for older adults to take certain precautions well in advance of the first snowfall. You can keep yourself and your loved ones safe by following these winter safety tips for seniors.
Winter Safety Checklist for Seniors
- Build an Emergency Supply Kit
- Listen to Weather Forecasts and Plan Ahead
- Use Your Judgment Outside
- Stay Up to Date On Your Vaccinations
- Know the Signs of Frostbite and Hypothermia
- Beware of Fires and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Drive Safely
- Prevent Food Poisoning
- Stay Active
- Explore Assisted Living Options
Build an Emergency Supply Kit
It’s always best to be prepared with supplies in the case of an emergency. Having a stock of food and other essentials at the ready can keep you comfortable in the event you’re snowed in or lose power. Here are some items below you should be sure you have before the first winter storm of the year.
- Non-perishable pantry items and snacks
- Back-up medications (including over the counter cold medicine and pain medicine)
- First aid kit
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Bottled water
- Rock salt
- Extra blankets
- Battery operated radio
Listen to the Weather Forecast and Plan Ahead
Even though weather forecasts aren’t always accurate, they can give you some notice to prepare for inclement weather. Having a plan in place can give you and your loved ones peace of mind. Set yourself up for success by making a list of emergency contacts and phone numbers, arranging family members to check on you, and establishing a meeting place where you can reunite with your family in an emergency.
Use Your Judgment Outside
Whether you’re heading outside to shovel the driveway or going for a stroll, be sure to know your limits and be aware of the elements. When going outside, dress for the weather by layering up with warm socks, gloves, a hat, scarf, and coats. Wearing shoes with non-skid soles can help prevent falls. Don’t take shortcuts or walk between vehicles, you should always walk on cleared sidewalks and pathways. When getting in and out of your car plant both feet firmly on the ground before moving. Steady yourself on the door frame until you have your balance. Take extra time and don’t rush when you’re walking on snowy walkways. Short steps with your toes pointed slightly outward can help maintain a stable base of support. Pay attention to the surfaces ahead of you and stay alert for black ice, which is extremely slippery.
Stay Up to Date On Your Vaccinations
One of the best ways to stay safe during the winter is to stay up-to-date on your vaccinations, including the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Since cold viruses are more prevalent in the winter months this can help ensure that you stay healthy all winter long. During the holiday season many of us gather with family and friends. You can safely enjoy the holiday season and mitigate the spread of cold viruses by regularly washing your hands, wearing a mask indoors, and staying home if you don’t feel well.
Know the Signs of Frostbite and Hypothermia
When you spend time outside in the cold your body temperature can drop to a dangerous level, causing hypothermia or frostbite. Seniors are at a higher risk of hypothermia and frostbite due to common conditions that we experience as our bodies age such as poor circulation, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Additionally, our ability to feel changes in temperature deceases as we age. When you go outside in the cold you should ensure that all parts of your body are covered up. If your skin starts to go numb or turns red you may be at risk of frostbite and should go inside immediately. If your skin turns pale, you start to feel tired or weak, or your breathing or heart rate slows you may be experiencing warning signs of hypothermia. You should call 911 if you think you or someone else has hypothermia.
Beware of Fires and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Fireplaces, gas stoves, and space heaters are fire hazards and must be used carefully. Wood stoves and gas appliances can leak the deadly gas carbon monoxide into a dwelling if they are not properly vented. At the start of the season, you should ensure that your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors are in working order and that you have extra batteries. If you plan on using a fireplace this winter you should have your chimney or flue inspected before your first fire. If you lose power, opt for using flashlights instead of candles or lanterns. Lastly, space heaters should always be kept at least three feet away from anything flammable such as curtains, bedding, or furniture.
Drive Safely
Although it’s always best if you stay off the roads during inclement weather, if you have to travel Ready.gov recommends that you keep the following in your car in case of emergencies:
- Jumper cables
- Flares
- Ice scraper
- Phone charger
- Blanket
- Map
- Cat litter or sand (for tire traction)
Prior to the onset of the winter months you should also have your mechanic check your car’s fluid levels, brakes, windshield wipers, and oil. Additionally, installing winter tires can help give your car more traction on snowy and icy roads. Being vigilant while you’re behind the wheel can help prevent accidents. Be sure to give yourself extra time to stop and turn and seek alternate routes when necessary.
Prevent Food Poisoning
The holidays wouldn’t be complete without delicious staples like turkey, stuffing, and pie. In the winter months you’ll likely have many opportunities to host and attend gatherings. Unfortunately, the CDC estimates that approximately 1 in 6 Americans get food poisoning each year, and half of these incidents occur around the holidays. Keep yourself and others healthy by following these food safety tips:
- Wash your hands often, and make sure your children do the same
- Always prepare food in a clean, and sanitized kitchen
- Ask your guests about their food allergies before you plan your meal, and stay mindful at the store and in the kitchen about these allergies
- Always thaw frozen food in refrigerator, never at room temperature
- Separate raw meat from ready-to-eat foods during storage and preparation
Stay Active
In the winter months it’s natural to spend more time at home and less time on the move. Unfortunately, being sedentary can have negative affects on your body and on your mental health. With certain precautions in place it’s possible to exercise outside despite falling temperatures. Warming up and cooling down, picking the right clothes, and checking the forecast are steps you can take to ensure you have a safe outdoor exercise whether you’re walking, skiing, or shoveling snow. If you prefer to stay active indoors, check out a fitness DVD from the library, or download an exercise app!
Explore Assisted Living Options
The winter season is a perfect time to start exploring local assisted living communities. If you’re sick of the hassle of home maintenance, shoveling, and driving on snowy roads, moving into an assisted living community is a no-brainer. With on-site activities, amenities, and transportation services, assisted living communities provide older adults with more time to enjoy everything the winter has to offer. Worry-free living is just a click away.
