Senior Helpline Bulletin
Are You Ready for a Winter Storm?
Prepare a Winter Storm Plan
Have extra blankets on hand.
Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.
Know what Winter Storm WATCHES and WARNINGS mean:
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 means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. 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, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer 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, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature.
Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.
Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must:
Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
If you do get stuck:
- Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
- Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.
- Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
- As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
- Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
Avoid Hypothermia:
Hypothermia is a condition of below-normal body temperature, usually 95°
F or lower. Anyone exposed to severe cold without proper protection is at risk. However, some older people, especially the frail and chronically ill, can develop hypothermia after just a short period of time and mildly cold temperatures. Others at increased risk of hypothermia include people suffering from malnutrition, diabetes, heart disease, as well as those who take certain medications or abuse alcohol.
Symptoms of hypothermia include: dizziness, slow or irregular heartbeat, slurred speech, unusual change in behavior, slow breathing, sluggishness, confusion, low blood pressure.
The following measures are recommended to prevent hypothermia and other problems due to the extreme temperatures:
Dress in layers and avoid wearing constrictive clothing.
Stay as active as possible.
Eat regular meals and drink adequate amounts of water.
Keep your thermostat setting at or above 65° F (70° if home occupants are over 75 years old).
If you are unable to cook for yourself, take advantage of Meals on Wheels programs offered through CVAA.
Have someone check on you daily.
Only go outdoors if necessary.
Use extra blankets at night as hypothermia can start during sleep.
Hands and feet should be well protected as the cold tends to hit these areas first.
Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
Ask your doctor if any medications you take can affect your body temperature.
Make sure there are no icy patches on your walking path.
Keep moving. Never stand in one place too long without moving arms and legs.
If you suspect hypothermia, get help from a doctor or call an ambulance immediately. If someone is suffering from hypothermia, there are some things you can do while you are waiting for medical help to arrive: First, get the victim to a warm place and remove any wet clothing. Do not massage the victim's body. Keep the victim's head level with his or her body to maintain an adequate blood flow to the brain. Begin to rewarm the victim. To do this, put warm wet towels on the victim's head, neck, groin, chest, and abdomen. Never give alcohol to someone who may have hypothermia.
Senior HelpLine: (800) 642-5119 (Voice/TTY)
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