3 Steps to Developing A Winter Emergency Plan for Seniors

by | Feb 1, 2018

3 Steps to Developing A Winter Emergency Plan for Seniors, Cherished CompanionsThe snow, cold temperatures, and icy roads that winter brings to Ohio can cause frustrations for most people. But for seniors, these hazards are more than merely frustrating; they carry significant health and safety risks. Elderly parents or family members require a special emergency plan to ensure they have everything they need in the event of a winter storm or other emergency during cold weather.

Why Ohio Winters Place Seniors At Risk

Snow and ice aren’t the only risks seniors face during the winter. Many seniors aren’t as mobile as they once were or they have health conditions that make cold temperatures dangerous. Slick driveways or roads may keep seniors from getting to the store or to the doctor. Frozen pipes may burst and winter storms may cause power outages, loss of heat, or interrupted communication.

For most people, these situations cause inconvenience and maybe even costly damage, but for seniors they can be life-threatening. The good news is that by planning ahead, you can prevent many of the most serious risks.

3 Steps to Developing A Winter Emergency Plan for Seniors

A strong emergency plan can minimize many of the risks associated with Ohio’s harsh winter conditions. Your strategy should consist of three parts: an emergency kit, an action plan, and a list of emergency contacts. Let’s take a look at each of these in detail:

Ohio Winter Preparedness Checklist

Seniors should put together a winter emergency kit that includes all of these items:

  • Emergency blankets
  • Flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs
  • Food (2 week supply)
  • Water (2 week supply)
  • Medication (1 week supply)
  • First aid kit
  • Copies of personal documents (insurance cards, medication information, identification, etc.)
  • Cell phone with extra battery and charger
  • Battery-operated radio
  • Manual can opener
  • Supplies for pets
  • Rock salt for sidewalks

If your elderly loved one drives, it’s important to keep an emergency kit in the car too. This kit should include an emergency blanket, gloves, flashlight with batteries, first aid kit, radio, food/water, and cell phone with charger.

Emergency Action Plan

3 Steps to Developing A Winter Emergency Plan for Seniors, Cherished CompanionsCommunication is the key to ensuring safety for your senior loved one during the winter. Family members should discuss who will check in with an elderly parent during a winter storm or blackout, and seniors should know exactly what steps to take if something happens. Include these items in your emergency plan:

  • Designated contact person
  • Escape routes if damage to the house occurs or sidewalks are not navigable
  • Transportation plans
  • An alternative heat source
  • A backup plan for medical devices that require electricity

Seniors should also know how to stay safe at home during a winter storm, especially if the power goes out. This plan should include wearing layers of warm clothes, listening to a weather radio for updates, eating regularly to maintain body heat, staying hydrated, and communicating with care providers about their circumstances during the storm.

Emergency Contacts

Post a list of contact numbers in a prominent place such as on the refrigerator or near the phone. This list should include:

  • Designated Emergency Contacts—Include both the primary emergency contact and an alternative in case that person cannot be reached or cannot respond.
  • Emergency Service Providers—Include emergency medical, fire, and law enforcement numbers, as well as your loved one’s insurance company and doctor.
  • Home Care Providers—If your loved one receives home care services, keep the agency number on hand to find out whether the caregiver will be able to visit or not.
  • The Electric Company—Keep contact information for your family member’s electric company on hand so you can monitor timelines for restoration of service.

What To Do In the Event Of A Senior Fall Or Other Winter Emergency

A fall at home can be especially devastating during a storm when emergency personnel may experience delays. There are several things you can do to make your loved one’s home as safe as possible to prevent falls. However, if the worst happens and your senior loved one gets injured or stranded during a winter storm, your emergency plan should provide the resources needed to keep them warm and safe until help arrives. Practicing safety drills ahead of time can help seniors feel more confident that they know what to do during an actual emergency.

One of the greatest risks to seniors during an Ohio winter is the severe cold. Power outages, car accidents, or falling outdoors and being unable to get back inside can all place seniors at risk of hypothermia. By planning ahead and talking through what to do in each of these scenarios, families can help their senior loved ones weather the storm safely.

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