Senior Care News

Elderly Care Safety: Handling Severe Winter Storms

Elderly Care in Allentown PA

Snow angels, snowmen, sparkling blankets of white on Christmas morning, and even the occasional playful snowball fight are all things that people look forward to when it comes to winter weather. When that weather becomes severe, however, and people are forced to face dramatic storms, power outages, and dangerously cold temperatures, the weather does not seem nearly as exciting and fun. Preparing your elderly care plan for severe winter storms is an important part of keeping your aging loved ones safe, comfortable, and healthy throughout the coldest months of the year so that you can have peace of mind that they are ready no matter when a storm may strike.

 

Use these tips to help you make preparation for a severe winter storm a part of your elderly care efforts before those first snowflakes start to fall:

• Update your supply kit. You should always have an emergency supply kit on hand throughout the year to handle the weather conditions and other emergencies that can happen no matter what the month, but when there is a threat of severe winter storms, you want to know that your kit has what you need to handle the particular challenges of that type of weather. In addition to your usual first aid kit, food, water, and communication systems, you should make sure that you have a snow shovel, ice melting materials such as rock salt or an environmentally friendly alternative, sand or cat litter for traction, extra heating fuel in case the electricity goes out and the central heating system fails, and plenty of extra clothing and blankets.

• Make a communication network. You do not know when an emergency is going to strike or where you or your aging loved ones will be. Create a communication network that establishes who will call who at the first signs of an emergency so that there is no confusion and everyone can get in touch properly and efficiently. Make sure that you include your parents’ elderly health care services provider in the plans so that you can get in touch with her so she can help handle the emergency if necessary.

• Prepare your vehicle. Take the time to prepare your vehicle for winter weather, including making sure that all fluids are at appropriate levels and that the tires are in good condition. If you live in a place that commonly sees deep snow conditions and you have a large enough vehicle, add chains to your tires as necessary. Pack a cold weather emergency kit to keep in your vehicle that has the supplies you need to keep you safe and healthy in the event that your vehicle breaks down in a winter storm.

• Be ready for overnights. If a winter storm hits while you are at your parents’ home, you do not want to leave. Driving in severe winter weather is extremely dangerous and a leading cause of injuries and fatalities during these types of events. Prepare to spend the night at your parents’ home by keeping warm clothes, toiletries, and bedding available. Do the same at your house for them so that you can keep them with you in the event of such a storm.

If you are considering hiring elderly care services in Allentown, PA, contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Allentown. Call today at (610)200-6097.

Stephen Sternbach

Recent Posts

Categories

Contact Us About Home Care

Skip to content