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The onset of winter brings cold-weather discomfort to the
elderly. It can also bring special safety hazards. Ice, snow and
extreme cold can cause falls and automobile accidents and
increased heating can result in fuel shortages or home fires.
But, winter does not need to be dangerous. Simple precautions can
increase the safety of older people during the winter season.
Before cold weather sets in, have all home heating systems
checked. Your furnace should be serviced by a professional. Clean
your wood stove or fireplace chimney yearly and replace any loose
bricks and mortar promptly. Know where all the shutoff valves and
switches are.
Before using a portable heater in the winter, check
beforehand for frayed cords or broken filaments. If the heater
has a three-pronged plug, use an adapter or a three-pronged
outlet, but never bypass the grounding feature. Heaters should
have an automatic shutoff if they overturn. Keep combustibles
away from heaters and avoid using portable heaters near curtains
and furniture.
When cleaning ashes from a wood stove or fireplace, use a
metal container and leave the container outside when finished. Do
not add combustible material to the ash can at any time. A cold
fire may still contain one or two live embers that can easily
start to burn when fuel is added.
Make sure an escape route is planned in case of a fire. Keep
all hallways and stairs clear of obstacles and check window exits
to be sure they are not frozen shut. If you have a second story,
have a rope or chain ladder to help you escape from a fire.
Be prepared for energy problems. Heavy snows and high winds
can often cause power outages, so keep energy supplies in an
easily accessible place. Emergency supplies should include
candles or a lantern, a battery powered radio, a flashlight with
fresh batteries and a supply of extra, ready-to-eat food. If
power fails for an extended period, turn off all electrical
appliances, keep your refrigerator and freezer door closed, draw
curtains to preserve heat, and turn water on to a trickle so
pipes won't freeze. If possible, call the power company to report
the outage.
Being outdoors in the winter has its own special challenges.
When walking outside, wear shoes with maximum traction and wear
several layers of clothing to increase insulation and prevent
overheating. The outer layers of clothing should be hooded, wind
and waterproof, and wear a hat to retain body heat. When
possible, choose mittens instead gloves for increased warmth.
Finally, wear sunglasses to protect against winter glare.
While walking, watch for slippery patches. Do not overload
your arms so it is difficult to keep your balance. Don't block
your vision with what you are carrying. Walk on the sidewalks,
even if the streets are clearer. And, remember that dark falls
earlier in the winter than in other times of year.
Remove snow with caution and know your exertion limit. Avoid
doing too much physical work at one time and rest often. Overwork
can cause sore muscles, falls and heart attacks. Make sure to use
a good snow shovel and, when shoveling, lift with your leg
muscles rather than your back. All heavy work should be done
before eating. Don't smoke or drink alcohol while working because
smoke will decrease the flow of blood through your body and
alcohol increases the chances of overworking your body.
Using snow blowers will save time and energy. Have a firm
footing when starting the blower. Remove all obstacles from the
path and aim the snow carefully. NEVER try to unclog the chute
with the motor running. Don't wear loose clothing that can be
caught in the machine. Avoid operating on steep hills or graveled
surfaces.
Some final tips. Make sure all inside lights are working
with high wattage bulbs that provide good vision. Keep enough
lights on so you can move around the house with ease. Keep your
home's temperature at a reasonable level and check fuel supplies
on a regular basis. If you use electric blankets, never place wet
towels or other blankets on top of them. Avoid using an electric
blanket on a sick person who cannot operate the controls.
Winter can be a beautiful and peaceful time of year. Using
these precautionary measures and common sense can help you have a
safe and enjoyable season.
For more information, contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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