Winter Safety Tips: Preparing Your Home and Community for the Cold Weather

Dancing snowflakes and glistening ice remind us of the beauty that winter brings, but the season can also present a host of seasonal dangers. That’s especially true for those who have elevated risk of falling or may need extra help preparing their home to safeguard against seasonal elements.

Planning ahead and taking proper precautions can help ensure you or your loved one is prepared to tackle the unique challenges that come with a Midwestern winter. These winter safety tips for seniors offer practical advice to help you and your family navigate the winter months safely.

Preparing Your Home for Winter

While the weather rages outdoors, some of winter’s greatest risks come from inside the house. Knowing how to prepare your home for winter safely will allow you to remain warm while protecting yourself and your property.

Insulation and Heating

Keeping your home properly insulated is one of your best defenses against the cold. A well-insulated home will keep the cold out and maintain a comfortable indoor climate. If you haven’t already, be sure to contact your local heating and cooling professional to perform a maintenance checkup on your unit. A seasonal service will ensure your unit is functioning efficiently and will help identify any potential risks, such as faulty wiring or gas leaks.

If you need a little boost of heat on an extra-chilly day, consider adding an electric space heater. Cool-touch models will prevent burns while adding the warmth you need. At night, an electric blanket makes your bed cozy and inviting so you can get a restful night of sleep.

Remember that as you age, it’s normal to need a little help regulating your body temperature, so you’ll also want to be sure you’re dressed in clothing that keeps you comfortable. Layers are a good choice because you can easily discard a sweatshirt or cardigan if you get warm, then put it back on if you feel a chill.

Weatherproofing Doors and Windows

Doors and windows are common culprits for drafts that allow cold to seep in and force your heating system to work harder. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal against drafts around doors and windows. You can also add heavy curtains or thermal blinds to keep the cold out, but on a sunny day, be sure to throw them open and let the natural light and warmth fill the room.

Fire Safety Precautions

Between fireplaces, the furnace and other devices intended to keep you warm, winter brings an elevated fire risk to your home. What’s more, your risk of fire-related injury or death increases as you age. Make a point of testing your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms monthly so you can be confident they’ll alert you of a potential problem.

If your home has a woodburning fireplace, your chimney should be inspected and cleaned by a professional before winter arrives. When building a fire, keep the size modest and always use the safety doors to prevent sparks from flying into the room. If you have an electric fireplace, be wary of the glass and surround, which can grow very hot. Always be sure the fire is out or turned off before retiring to bed for the night.

Before using a space heater, inspect the cord to verify it’s in good condition with no exposed wires or cracks in the protective covering. Plug directly into a wall outlet; never use an extension cord or power strip. Place the heater on a flat surface and always turn it off when you leave the room.

If you lose power, you may need to rely on another source of light. A sturdy lantern, flashlight or flameless candle are all safer choices, but if you choose to use traditional candles, take some precautions to minimize the risk of an accidental fire. Never leave a candle unattended and be sure it’s resting on a stable surface where it can’t be knocked over or come in contact with flammable materials like paper or curtains. Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch, and always extinguish a candle fully by covering it with a snuffer rather than blowing on the flame.

Preventing Falls

Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, but blustery conditions make it even more necessary to take steps toward preventing winter slips and falls.

Keeping walkways and driveways clear and salted will help minimize slippery spots and prevent ice buildup. When venturing out, always wear shoes or boots with strong support and good traction. Pay close attention to your footing, taking small steps and ensuring you’re steady before taking the next step. Avoid icy surfaces and stay in well-lit areas so you can avoid slipping on black ice. Also keep your hands free so you can use them to steady and balance yourself.

Emergency Preparedness

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so preparing for winter emergencies can help you ride out a storm safely.

Creating an Emergency Kit

Unlike spring or fall storms that can arise with minimal warning, winter storms tend to come with advance notice. When you hear a storm is approaching, it’s a good signal to prepare an emergency kit so you’re ready for whatever blows your way. Be sure to include flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food and bottled water. It’s also smart to keep a list of emergency contacts, medications and important documents easily accessible.

Power Outage Preparedness

Losing power can be a real inconvenience, but the bigger issue is staying warm if the power stays off for an extended period. Gathering all members of the household in one small room will allow you to borrow from one another’s body heat. Extra blankets and layers of clothing can also help keep you warm.

Another critical winter safety tip for seniors involves powered medical equipment. If you rely on a medical device that requires electricity, such as an oxygen machine, talk with your provider about a backup plan so your health needs are secure despite the weather.

Transportation Safety

Keeping your vehicle winter-ready is another important aspect of winter weather safety. Monitoring your tire tread, keeping tires inflated to recommended levels, and ensuring antifreeze and windshield wiper levels are sufficient are some important winter car care tips.

While these precautions can help make your vehicle safer to drive, it’s best to avoid  
driving in severe weather conditions when you can. Older adults have slower reflexes, and natural vision changes that come with age can make driving more dangerous. A better option is to arrange for a ride with a family member or rely on community transportation services.

Preparation Protects Your Safety

By following these winter safety tips for seniors, you can safely enjoy the winter months. It’s a smart idea to begin implementing safety tips early, and if you find you need assistance, reach out to community staff or family members to request a helping hand. Planning ahead to protect your safety will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the season with the confidence of knowing you’re safe and well-prepared for whatever winter brings.