Winter Safety Tips

Are you prepared for severe weather and other emergencies? It may seem overboard but it’s wise to be prepared and have a safety plan for any event. Older adults who have mobility limitations, rely on special equipment, or live alone could be at greater risk when disasters strike. These safety tips are valid during any season however, many of these are much easier and important to accomplish before winter weather hits.

1. Create a safety plan. Write up a plan and communicate it with loved ones and neighbors so that they are in the loop as well. Think about home escape routes, where you would evacuate to, and how you would get there. Save your plan so that you can easily access it later to keep it updated.
2. Pack an emergency kit. An emergency kit should be easy to grab and go in case of evacuation. This includes important items such as food and water, clothing, medications, flashlight, toiletries, first aid, cash, important documents, PPE, and electronics or tools. Keep a charged phone on hand. A working phone is a valuable lifeline to call for help, receive calls from others, and get local emergency alerts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends having enough food and water for two weeks. This includes one gallon of water per person in the household per day. Consider non-perishable foods that are easy to prepare.
3. Home and vehicle maintenance. Make sure your car is serviced and fueled in case of emergencies. Check your home smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is very dangerous and often goes unnoticed because it is odorless and invisible. Drip or cover faucets if needed to prevent pipes from bursting in freezing temperatures. Consider making a home maintenance checklist ahead of time.
4. Prepare your pets. Inventory your pet supplies and have them prepared for evacuation if needed. Consider chipping your pet with your information in case they are separated. Get a pet carrier if needed for transportation. Bring your pets indoors before severe weather or extreme temperatures.

Remember it’s always best to be prepared ahead of time to ensure you and your loved ones are safe. It may seem overboard at first but it’s wise to have a plan in place and brings peace of mind.

Resources

Build an Emergency Kit: https://www.ready.gov/kit

Food and Water Safety: https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/f&web.pdf

Carbon Monoxide Safety: https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/other-poisons/carbon-monoxide

Pet Preparedness: https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/pet-disaster-preparedness/?gclid=CjwKCAiAs92M BhAXEiwAXTi252xKfP3N-PDE0hIEb6d4u_H5v9nx7tGj_UFUlwslVk8E8KnNulfqhBoCZGgQAvD_BwE

Walking Snow or Ice Safety: https://www.ehs.iastate.edu/weather/winter/walking