While the winter season technically begins on December 21st in the northern hemisphere, cold weather and conditions associated with winter can begin much earlier. It’s always important to stay prepared for winter weather, but it’s especially necessary as we begin to get older and the risks increase. In this article, we’ll share some of the top senior winter safety tips to keep you safe and prepared for this winter season.
Safety Tips for Winter
- Bundle Up – One of the most essential winter safety tips is to bundle up. This may seem obvious, but there are many times when we don’t properly prepare for the weather when we go out. That’s why it’s critical to always wear enough warm clothing when you go outside in the winter. This includes warm socks, gloves, pants, a heavy coat, a hat, and warm footwear. Depending on the specific weather conditions, hypothermia can set in in a matter of minutes, so staying prepared is vital to remaining safe.
- Communicate – Another important tip is to communicate with your friends and family so they know you are okay. This includes keeping them updated when you leave your home by telling them when you are leaving, where you are going, and when you expect to return home. In the event that something happens to you or you experience an emergency, they will be able to respond and get help much faster since they know what your plan was.
- Prepare for Storms – Preparing for winter storms is another crucial part of staying safe. Winter storms can bring snow, ice, and sleet that can cause hazardous driving conditions, power outages, and severe temperatures. Some of the most important winter storm safety tips include:
- Paying attention to the news and weather reports so you know when winter storms are coming and can prepare
- Staying inside during the storm and only going out when completely necessary
- Avoiding driving unless it’s an emergency. Keep a full tank of gas in case you do need to leave
- Building an emergency kit with a flashlight, blankets, warm clothing, water, food, medication, and more
- Watch Your Step – One of the greatest risks during winter is slipping on ice or snow and falling down. This can lead to severe injuries, so it’s important to be cautious when walking outside during the winter. Be sure to keep an eye out for icy conditions, walk slowly, hold onto railings where available, and use snow and ice melt on the walkways around your home.
- Ask for Assistance – A simple way to make sure you remain safe and healthy is to ask for assistance. We often try to do everything ourselves and don’t want to inconvenience others, but those situations can put our safety at risk. Asking someone else for help—whether it’s a trip to the store, helping with something outside your home, or anything else—is much easier and safer than trying to do things on your own.
At Celebrate Senior Living, we are committed to celebrating the moments, victories, and memories that will last a lifetime for our residents and their loved ones. We are a Midwest-based foundation that serves Illinois and Indiana residents by offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing living options. We also provide three delicious, healthy meals a day to ensure our residents get the nutrients they need!
If you or a loved one are interested in senior living options, schedule a tour with us today! You can also learn more by exploring our communities, which include South Holland, Niles, and Fort Wayne, or by contacting us with any other questions!