Winterization Tips for a Safe Season

As we enter the heart of winter, it’s never too late to make sure your home is prepared for the harsh weather. Winterization can still be done at this time of year in order to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Here are some suggestions regarding home safety to help prevent any negative situations from arising. With every problem, there is always a cause. We will let you know what those causes are so you can be proactive when it comes to home safety.

Winterization basics: Check your detectors

During winterization, the first thing to check is the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you aren't sure when you last checked the batteries, you should probably test out those batteries.

When turning on appliances that haven’t been used in a while, such as your furnace, there’s a chance of new leaks. A working carbon monoxide detector will notify you immediately if this is the case. If your carbon monoxide or smoke detector stops working without you realizing it, you're putting yourself at risk. Luckily, some medical alert systems have the ability to detect these problems. When looking for a medical alert system, be sure to avoid some of the common buying mistakes.

For those who have this feature, the equipment provided by the medical alert company can detect carbon monoxide, fire, smoke, and high heat levels. If there is a problem, the system will notify you. Depending on the service you choose, usually, the medical alert company will also be notified as well. They'll then contact the appropriate emergency fire personnel if needed.

For senior citizens living alone, this feature is especially helpful since they need to be extra careful when it comes to home safety. The elderly are more susceptible than most to getting carbon monoxide poisoning.

Heating

In the winter, there's also an increased chance of fire in the home. This is a result of the increase in usage of fireplaces, candles, and space heaters. To help increase home safety when it's time to keep warm, consider how to manage your fireplace and your heating system. For example, your fireplace should be checked to make sure it is functioning properly. If there is a problem with the flue, carbon monoxide might enter the room instead of exiting through the chimney.

Additionally, if your home relies on central heating, be sure to always have a back-up plan in case it breaks down. Ensure that you have a safe alternative heating source.

Make plans for snow removal

Even a light snowfall can make walking on your sidewalks or driveway hazardous. An ice storm can make things even more dangerous. Be sure to have a plan in place for either a neighbor or friend to help with the shoveling and de-icing.

If you are limited with your options, consider hiring a local person to help you with winterization. As we get older, it's not always a good idea to attempt difficult physical tasks like shoveling on our own, especially when it's cold outside.

But if you're feeling brave, consider buying shoes that have non-slip soles to help prevent you from slipping and falling on ice and snow. Also, check that that melting salt has been put down to help remove ice.

If you want to brave snow removal on your own but desire some "insurance," a device like a medical alert system can help. Using state-of-the-art sensors, systems like ADT Health or LifeStation can automatically detect if you have fallen. They each have a medical alert button in case you're feeling weak or light-headed or if the fall wasn't detected. With the added protection of a medical alert system, you'll be able to get help in case of any health issue whatsoever.

Keep an eye on your loved ones. There are some tell-tale signs that will let you know if a senior citizen needs help.

Dress for warmth

Frostbite and hypothermia can occur now that the cold weather is here. According to the CDC, more than half the deaths associated with hypothermia were senior citizens over 65 years old. This is why it's so important to keep your house warm. People can get hypothermia even when remaining inside their homes. Don’t worry about saving a few dollars on the heating bill if it means putting your health at risk. It's also a good idea to dress in layers and use blankets to stay warm more effectively.

Older adults can lose body heat faster than younger people. Changes in your body can make it harder to detect how cold you really are. This is why, when going outside, be sure to bundle up. That includes a thick scarf, a warm hat, a heavy coat, wool socks, and gloves. Make sure your shoes or boots are properly insulated and waterproof to keep your feet warm. In extremely cold temperatures, always cover your mouth with a scarf or ski mask. This will help prevent your lungs from the cold air.

Also, some illnesses and medications can make it harder for your body to stay warm. If your body temperature drops below 95 degrees, it's important to seek emergency medical assistance right away. Luckily, some medical alert systems have body temperature detection. With this service, the pendant you wear around your neck can detect a rise or fall in your body temperature. It will notify you if you have been outside longer than your body can handle.

Check insulation

Another important step during winterization is ensuring there's enough insulation in your crawl space and attic. Sufficient insulation will prevent hot air in your home from escaping. Also check to make sure weather stripping around the doors and windows are in good shape. If needed, cracks and holes can be repaired with caulk.

There are other no-cost options you can choose to winterize your home and help keep it warm. These include closing vents, placing rolled up towels or blankets in front of doors to reduce drafts, and putting plastic on windows or guard against drafts.

Prevent infections

Did you know that cold weather doesn't make you sick? Viruses and bacteria do. But senior citizens have a harder time fighting off infections. Therefore, try to avoid being in close contact with people who are sick. Be sure to wash your hands regularly and use sanitary wipes to clean surfaces throughout your house.

Keep loved ones informed

During the winter, there are various reasons that can cause you to be stranded outside your house. Cars can break down, snowstorms could make roads impassable, or you might simply just get lost.

By informing people where you will be, loved ones will know immediately that something is wrong if you don’t show up.

Prepare for power outages

Snow and ice can cause minor power outages all the time. You should always have flashlights, blankets, non-perishable foods, and a battery-operated radio at hand.

In cases like these, ADT Health is a good choice. They have power outage protection, meaning your safety products won’t stop working just because the power did. All devices are powered through a decent amount of back-up energy from a battery.

If you have medical equipment that requires power, check with your medical supply company about your options for a backup power source.

Take your vitamins and supplements

Because older adults are more likely to slip and fall, it's important they take their supplements to keep their bones healthy. Supplements may contribute to minimizing damage from a fall and reduced healing time.

Taking vitamins can also help reduce the chance of you getting sick. Remember to take your vitamins and supplements, and remind others to do so, if necessary. These supplements can help keep you safe and healthy. When winterizing your house, don’t forget to winterize yourself.

A medical alert system can be set up to automatically to remind you every day to take your medications. This can be helpful, especially for someone who lives alone and doesn’t have reminders from other people.

Avoid electric blankets

While sleeping, electric blankets can sometimes get too hot. This can result in burns or an overheated body. For your safety, and to prevent fires, use several layers of blankets to stay warm. If needed, you can use a hot water bottle to help keep you warm at night.

Conclusion

Hopefully, these tips for winterizing your house and how to deal with the upcoming winter months were helpful for you. By taking a few precautionary measures now, you greatly enhance your chances of staying safe.

For people who have parents in any of these situations, you can help them live independently by purchasing a medical alert system. Not only will you know your loved ones are taken care of but you can also count on these services to provide peace of mind.