Elderly & Disabled Cold Tips

Winter safety tips for seniors and people with disabilities

We run earthquake drills and have slogans like “Drop. Cover. Hold on.” because we know at any moment the ground can shake. Similarly, during the winter, extreme weather can roll in at any time and it’s especially dangerous for older people or people with disabilities. Older or disabled people may have a harder time getting around in the snow, sleet and ice. That means they might not have the food, medicine, or light they need to be safe. But we can take action by remembering: prepare, be aware, take care.

The most important thing to remember is to have a three-day supply of:

Food

Medicine

Heat and light

You might also want to prepare by having the following items available:

Rock salt or sand

Snow shovels

Dry, seasoned wood for a fireplace or stove

Adequate clothing and blankets

A communications plan with family or a caregiver

NOAA Weather Radio

  

Be aware

Be aware of the signs that a neighbor or family member might need assistance, such as:

Pets left out all night to bark

No lights on at night, which could mean a loss of power

Mail overflowing out of the mailbox

Not picking up the phone

Take care

Safety means we all need to take care of one another and do our best to take care of ourselves.

For your own safety:

Minimize travel

Replace cane tips

Wear shoes with good traction and take shoes off as soon as you get inside.

For others' safety:

Offer to get someone’s groceries

Shovel someone’s walkway

Offer to walk a pet

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