Winter Safety

There are many different ways to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy this winter season.

Falls & Injuries
Basic Facts: In the United States, one of every three persons age 65 and older falls each year. For those 80 years and older, half will experience at least one fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury, death, and hospital admissions due to trauma in the older adult. Over 98% of hip fractures are caused by falls. Despite the high incidence of falls in the aging population, falling is not a part of the normal aging process and can be prevented.
Risk Factors Increased for Fall Risk: Factors that can contribute to falls include: muscle weakness, past falls, problems with walking and balance, poor vision, arthritis, depression, taking more than 4 medications, and age greater than 80.
Reducing Risk of Falls: The National Center for Injury Control and Prevention, a division of the Centers for Disease Control, recommended the following:

Have your vision checked regularly. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.
Have your primary care physician or pharmacist review your medications. Include medications that don't need prescriptions (such as cold medicines).
Make your home safer. Remove items you can trip over from places where you walk. A thorough check list is available by the CDC.

Indoor and Outdoor Preparations
At Home:

Keep handy a battery-powered flashlight, a battery-powered radio, food (canned and dried food is best), a can opener, bottled water, blankets, and extra batteries.
Be aware of potential fire and carbon monoxide hazards if you plan to use an emergency heating source during a power outage.
Be prepared to cover windows and stuff towels or rags under doors to save heat.

Outside:

Inspect your vehicle to ensure all systems are operating properly.
Stock your vehicle with an emergency kit including blankets, windshield scraper, flashlight with extra batteries, shovel, matches, emergency flares, jumper cables, snacks, water, and road maps.
Avoid overexertion. Sweating could lead to chill and hypothermia.
If stranded in a vehicle, run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat. Be sure to open the window slightly for fresh air and make make sure that the exhaust pipe isn't blocked by snow or ice.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless toxic gas. It is created by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as gas, oil, wood, and coal. CO accumulates as a result of poor installation, maintenance, or ventilation of oil burners, gas fires, water heaters, or other fuel appliances in the home. CO poisoning causes there to be a decreased level of oxygen in the body and can lead to disrupted function of the heart, brain, and other vital organs of the body. To prevent CO exposure:

Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911.
Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous.
Don't run a car or truck inside a garage that is attached to your house, even if you leave the garage door open.

Heating Safety Tips
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires. An average of 74,400 home heating fires each year results in 480 deaths, 2,290 injuries, and $582 million in property damage. December, January, and February are the leading months for fires in the U.S.. With this in mind, to prevent injury and property damage:

Select a space heater with a guard around the flame area or the heating element to protect children and clothing.
Buy a heater that is the correct size for the area you want to heat. The wrong size heater could produce more pollutants and may not be an efficient use of energy.
Never leave a space heater on when you sleep or leave the area. This is both a carbon monoxide and fire hazard.
Place heaters at least three feet away from objects such as bedding, furniture, and drapes.
Develop a fire escape plan before a fire occurs.
Look for a heater with a tip-over switch that will turn the heater off when it is tipped until it is turned upright again.

Winter Weather Words

Winter Storm Watch: Be alert, a storm is likely
Winter Weather Advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and conditions will be hazardous, especially to motorists.
Winter Storm Warning: Take action, the storm is in or entering the area.

Healthy Living

Winter Safety

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