Four Tips for Winter Safety

This winter has been a particularly rough one, at least in our neck of the woods. With snow piling up, polar vortexes abound, and blizzards making travel next to impossible, spring can’t come soon enough. But, while we wait out this season for warmer weather, there are precautions you can take for a safer, more comfortable winter.

Prepare for that next snow emergency with these helpful tips:

1. Prepare for power outages. Snow and ice can increase your risk of losing power, and poor driving conditions may prevent quick repairs. If you have medical equipment that relies on electricity, ensure you have spare batteries or a generator on-hand to keep it running. Also, stock up on warm blankets to make an outage more tolerable. 
2. Make sure your ramps and walkways are ice-free. This may seem obvious, but it’s certainly a necessity. If they’re slick, caregivers and providers may have a difficult time reaching your door, putting them at risk for falls and injury. Consider installing slip-resistant materials for any ramps you may have, and shovel and salt outdoor walkways. If you’re unable to do those yourself, ask family, neighbors, or a professional for help.   
3. Keep equipment away from heat sources. The cold air increases the prevalence of running fire places, space heaters, and other heat sources. Some supplies, such as oxygen equipment, can become incredibly dangerous if placed too close. Keep sensitive equipment away from heat sources around your home, and be especially cautious around open flames. It could save your life.
4. Backup the essentials. Poor road quality and visibility can make travel nearly impossible long after a storm has passed. This means providers may not be able to reach your door in the event supplies run low. If you rely on equipment that has the potential to expire or run out, keep spares handy to see you through until conditions improve.

Don’t let winter freeze your plans with an unforeseen disaster. Stay safe and prepared by following these simple steps.