As winter approaches, it is important for homeowners to be aware of the potential dangers that come with cold weather. In particular, older adults and individuals with mobility impairment must take extra precautions to stay safe during the winter months.
According to the World Health Organization, an older adult is anyone over the age of 65. With their increased risk of developing chronic health conditions, older adults are more vulnerable to harm caused by cold temperatures. That’s why it’s critical to be aware of the potential hazards of winter and take steps to protect yourself or your loved one.
This blog post will outline what an older adult should know about winter safety and provide some useful tips for staying safe in their home during the winter.
Understanding Winter Hazards
Winter brings with it a variety of unique dangers that can cause serious injury or death. The following section outlines some of the most common winter hazards and how to protect you and your older loved ones from them.
Winter Weather
The most obvious hazard associated with winter is the cold itself. Low temperatures can cause hypothermia and frostbite, both of which can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Always dress appropriately for cold weather, wear layers of clothing, and limit your time outdoors. If you have trouble recognizing the temperature, check the weather to ensure you are dressed warmly enough.
Power Outages
Even in our modern age, power outages can be both common and unpredictable in winter due to extreme weather conditions such as snowstorms and ice storms. In addition to causing inconvenience, power outages can also be dangerous for people living alone as they may not have access to heat or power for medical devices such as oxygen tanks.
Have a plan in place in case of a power outage, including an emergency kit with flashlights, blankets, and non-perishable food items.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in large amounts. CO is produced when fuels such as wood or gas are burned without proper ventilation.
Make sure your home’s heating system is properly vented and that all fuel-burning appliances are serviced regularly to avoid CO buildup. It is also a good idea to install CO detectors in your home for extra protection.
Winter Safety Tips for Seniors
To ensure a safe and comfortable winter season at home, there are several steps homeowners should take. The following section outlines some of the most essential winter safety tips.
Heating and Insulation
To stay warm during the winter months, make sure your home’s heating system is working properly and that your home is well insulated. The following are some tips for keeping your HVAC in working order:
- Check your furnace and fireplace. Have a professional inspect your furnace or fireplace before winter arrives to make sure it is in good working condition and free from any potential hazards such as carbon monoxide leaks. If you have a heating system that depends on oil, be sure to order ahead of time.
- Seal windows and doors. Ensure that all windows and doors are fully sealed in order to keep cold air out and warm air in.
- Keep your home at a consistent temperature. Older adults are more susceptible to temperature swings than younger adults, so keep the home at a consistent temperature during the winter months.
Emergency Supplies
In case of a power outage or other emergency situation, it is important to have a few emergency supplies on hand. The following are some items you should have in your emergency kit:
- Stock up on non-perishable foods and water. Make sure you have enough non-perishable foods and water on hand to last for several days in case of an emergency situation such as a power outage.
- Have a battery-powered radio and flashlight. Keep a battery-powered radio and flashlight available in case of a power outage or other emergency situations.
- Have a fully-stocked first aid kit. Place a fully-stocked first aid kit within easy reach to be prepared for an injury or medical emergency.
Fire Safety
In addition to keeping your home warm during the winter months, it is also important to be aware of fire safety risks associated with heating systems and other potential sources of fire such as candles or fireplaces. Here are a few tips for keeping your home safe from fire hazards:
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home and test them regularly to make sure they are functioning properly.
- Create an evacuation plan. In case of a fire, it is important to have an evacuation plan in place so that everyone knows where they need to go and who they need to call for help. Once or twice a year, review your plan with everyone who lives in the home.
- Familiarize yourself with fire extinguishers. Make sure you know how to use a fire extinguisher in case of an emergency situation.
Snow and Ice
Snow and ice can create slippery surfaces that can cause falls or other injuries if not taken care of properly. Follow these tips for dealing with snow and ice around your home:
- Clear snow from sidewalks and driveways. Make sure you clear snow from sidewalks, driveways, and other areas where people walk regularly throughout the winter months so as not to create slippery surfaces that could cause injury.
- Spread salt or sand on walkways, stairs, and porches. Create better traction and prevent slips or falls for anyone who lives in or visits your home.
- Install grab bars near doors and stairs. Place grab bars near doors and stairs in order to provide extra assistance when entering or exiting a home or navigating stairs during icy weather conditions.
- Consider non-slip strips or paint on outside steps.
Prevent Slips and Falls
Slips and falls are common during the winter months due to icy surfaces or snow buildup on sidewalks or driveways. The following are some tips for preventing slips and falls around your home — both during the winter and year-round.
- Wear proper footwear with good traction. Make sure you wear proper footwear with good traction when walking outside during the winter months in order to avoid slips or falls on icy surfaces.
- Check for uneven surfaces or tripping hazards. Look out for uneven surfaces such as potholes or cracks in sidewalks or driveways that could cause someone to trip or fall while walking outside during the winter months.
- Use non-slip mats in bathrooms and kitchens. Place non-slip mats in bathrooms and kitchens where water could accumulate on the floor creating slippery surfaces that could lead to slips or falls during the winter months.
Contact Havenside for Winter Safety Tips for Seniors
Winter can be a dangerous season for older adults if proper precautions are not taken. By understanding the potential hazards associated with winter weather such as cold temperatures, power outages, carbon monoxide poisoning, slips, trips, and falls, homeowners can keep themselves safe throughout the season.
Take the time to inspect the common dangers throughout your home, such as:
• Checking furnaces/fireplaces
• Stocking up on emergency supplies
• Testing smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
• Clearing snow/spreading salt/sand on walkways/stairs/porches
• Wearing proper footwear with good traction
• Checking for uneven surfaces/tripping hazards
• Using non-slip mats in bathrooms/kitchens
Following these simple tips can help ensure that older adults remain safe during the winter season while still enjoying the comfort of their own homes.
For more information about how to stay safe during the winter season, contact the team at Havenside. We guide homeowners through the process of making safety modifications to their homes to ensure safe, secure, and happy living spaces.