Smoke Signals™ Online - Winter Safety Tips from BCERT

Winter Safety Tips from BCERT

By: Rosemarie Heindel
Frigid temperatures are as harmful as heat waves in summer. Follow these guidelines and precautions to winter proof your home and safeguard health.

When outside: Dress warmly in loose fitting clothes, layering when possible. Favor mittens over gloves, as fingers generate warmth as they rub against each other. During cold weather always wear a head cover, as 30-50 percent of body heat is lost through the head. A scarf or mouth covering will help to protect lungs against cold air.
Frostbite and hypothermia are two of the biggest dangers that face seniors. Most susceptible body parts are fingers, toes, ear lobes and noses. Symptoms of frostbite include numbness and a white cast to the skin in the affected area. Warm body parts quickly, but be careful not to scald.

Keep hydrated. Many find it difficult to drink adequate liquid when it's colder, but seniors are more susceptible to dehydration that younger people. As in warmer weather, try to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.

If forced to shovel snow, try to take frequent breaks. The exercise, combined with colder temperatures adds more strain to the heart. Every winter, people succumb to heart attacks while shoveling snow, so listen to your body. If you're tired, rest!

Make sure shoes have a good rubber tread to avoid slips and falls. A broken hip or leg can be a devastating injury. If canes and walkers are utilized, make sure rubber tips are in good condition.

Inside: Keep thermostat set at least 65 degrees to prevent hypothermia. Inexpensive plastic sheeting over windows will help insulate the home. These window-covering kits are available at Wal-Mart and Target as well as most hardware stores.

Make sure smoke detectors are in good working order and replace used batteries with fresh ones. If utilizing fireplaces, be on the safe side and purchase carbon monoxide detectors. Remember, carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless.

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