Winter Storm Safety Checklist: Emergency Preparedness

Winter Storm Safety Checklist and Emergency Preparedness

These home safety tips for seniors involve preparing for the cold winter and ice storms. Emergency preparedness for winter is to keep the entire family safe... as winter poses a danger to most everyone.

Exposure to cold overtime can cause frostbite, hypothermia and, death. The elderly are particularly susceptible to these dangers. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Shoveling or other strenuous activities can prove deadly... particularly for people who do no regular exercise.

In the home, you should also prepare for winter’s arrival. Winter is a time to have all heating units serviced. It's to ensure that the venting systems are properly functioning.

Check and make sure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning.

Winter dangers, from falls on icy steps, sidewalks or streets are independence robbing. Falls in the elderly can change your loved ones life. Cold weather can cause an important, less obvious danger that can affect older people. Older adults are especially vulnerable to hypothermia. Which can be deadly if not treated quickly.

Here is a free home safety checklist full of home safety tips for seniors. Prevent hypothermia. Prepare for heavy snow that can immobilize a region... because of downed power lines and blocked roads. Caregivers, when working with the elderly, it is important that they are aware of what... winter storm watches and warnings mean.

Provide your loved ones with these home safety tips for seniors:

• A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
• A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
• A blizzard WARNING.. strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow and dangerous wind chill. Seek shelter immediately, when a Winter Storm Watch is issued...
• Listen to : NOAA Weather Radio... local radio, and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Avoid unnecessary travel. When a Winter Storm Warning is issued...
• Stay indoors during the storm.
• If you must go outside, wear several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer. It is better than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
• Understand the hazards of wind chill. This is the total that combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
• As winds increase, heat is carried away from a person’s body at an accelerated rated. This drives down the body temperature.
• Be careful walking on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
• After the storm, if you shovel snow, be careful. It is strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.

Caregivers... it is important that you and your aging loved one be aware the signs and symptoms of hypothermia:

• Uncontrollable shivering
• Memory loss
• Disorientation
• Incoherence
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Exhaustion

If a person’s body temperature is below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, it is important to... seek medical attention immediately. Part of elderly home health care is helping you loved one be prepared for any emergency.