Now the link on, or you can just read the article below.
http://voices.yahoo.com/winter-weather-safety-seniors-190200.html?cat=12
"Winter Weather and Safety for Seniors"
It's snowing, it's snowing. And everything looks nice pretty and white. It is also cold. What are some ways you can stay safe and sound this winter or any winter for that matter?
Well number one make sure you have reliable heat source that is well maintained preferable checked before winter.
Next make sure you are well stocked up on batteries and flashlights in case of power outages. Also having at least one kerosene lamp is a good idea. (Just remember to keep the wick trimmed and the lamp full of lamp oil with matches nearby) If you have mantel in your home this is a good place to keep your kerosene lamp and one or two large candles,
By having these on the mantel they are easily accessible, and can provide light if needed for most of the room they are in. Providing light and saving your flashlight batteries.
A small portable radio is good to have for weather reports and or entertainment. (Just make sure you have batteries)
Another necessity to have in case of a power outage would be a cell phone. So you could call for help.
Because you maybe without power it is a good idea to have two cell phone chargers one that you keep in your home and one that plugs into your vehicle, this way you have a way to call someone, if your house phone goes out.
If you take any medications keep these all together in a plastic tote that you can put on top of a high shelf or dresser this way you have all your medicines together in case you have to leave your home to go stay somewhere else for a few days. (This could happen if you end up with no power and no heat, and it is bitterly cold).
Another thing for inside your home to make things easier for you is to have plenty of non perishable items on hand that you can eat if you don't have a way to cook. (Things like crackers, peanut butter, and jelly, bread, boxed milk, dry cereal, canned items, fruits etc)
And have extra drinks, soda's juices, water, etc. Also have extra water set aside in case your water freezes this way you can at least flush the toilet.
Other things to make things more comfortable and safer around your home would be to have all pathways in your home clean and clutter free (to avoid tripping hazards) especially in the case of power outages. Also have at least one big bag of rock salt to put on any steps to melt any ice that may accumulate.
Extra socks, sweaters, mittens and hats are always good. And blankets, and may be needed if you are not able to get out during a severe winter ice or snow storm, and/or loose power and heat.
Something to NOT do ever is to use a charcoal grill inside your home for heat, I read the other day that some people did exactly that and died from carbon monoxide poisoning. (Only use heaters designed for indoor home use, and follow the directions) Portable kerosene heater are always a good option, just remember to be safe with them, never leave unattended, and do not refill inside you home, or while on.
Speaking of which you do need to make sure you have a working smoke alarm in your home one each level of your home, and a carbon monitor. These can literally save your life. A working fire extinguisher is also a good idea on each level of your home, for small fires that you can put out.
Okay, I have told you a few things that would be helpful around your home in case of a winter storm that will help you to stay safer and be more comfortable.
I do want to mention one last thing about comfort in your home though, if you have advance warning of a storm you can make a large pot of chili, soup or stew, then keep covered and simmer for later when you loose power. (If you don't loose power then you at least have dinner covered, and maybe a late night snack)
(Making something to eat such as a large pot of chili is for those who have their homes as ready or prepared as possible for bad weather, and who will not be able to get out if they loose power. This will at least provide something to eat while waiting on the power to be restored.)
So what about if you are going out in your car and you have a chance of running into some bad weather. What might you do before you leave to be more prepared?
Well one thing that you can do, is to make sure your gas tank is full, and that you have had your vehicle checked over, (that it has been maintained, things like have the oil changed, anti-freeze levels checked, brakes checked, tires etc.
Then after all that has been done another thing you can do is to have your vehicle cleaned before you get ready to leave, completely cleaned inside and out, so all windows are clean and clear, seats and floor cleaned.
Then get a few blankets that you can keep in your car fold these length wise and cover the seats with them. Two or three should be enough and should not interfere with any car seats or seat belts. You can also drape a blanket or two across the back of a seat too if you want. Do this neatly and it won't even be noticeable.
Next fill a small plastic tote with a variety of non perishable snacks and foods. Slide this under the seat or set in the back floor board. Be sure to include paper towels, and disposable cups. (This is like an emergency picnic basket only it is filled with things that will last a lot longer)
You will also want to include several drinks two or three liter size. (This is just in case you get stranded or trapped in your vehicle)
Then in the trunk of your car have extra water for your car and yourself (especially if you are planning a long trip) If you will just be out and about locally one or two gallons should be more than enough.
Extra water proof gloves, mittens, knit hats and extra winter weight socks will also be something that you should keep in mind. Because these could keep you from freezing if you find your self stranded, and your cars heat runs out.
Clean old towels rolled up and kept with your emergency kit may also be beneficial. (These may be used to dry off with if you find yourself wet from snow and ice.)
You should always keep a first aid kit in your vehicle just in case you ever need it, but especially in winter because you are more likely to have a serious accident during bad weather, as are others which can delay rescue workers getting to where you are.
If you are traveling with children keeping a few quiet activities such as coloring books or reading materials in your vehicle can be helpful.
You do not need a lot of distractions when driving in bad weather.
You can have a safe and happy winter, but it pays to be prepared, and being over prepared in the winter time is a lot better than being under prepared even if you are just going across town.
Remember to have emergency supplies easy access in both your home and vehicle and you should be a lot happier and safer, during bad weather especially.
*******************************************************************************
As you can see the above article needed to be edited, so I may have to make edits at some point, however, right now I am just moving articles.
Well number one make sure you have reliable heat source that is well maintained preferable checked before winter.
Next make sure you are well stocked up on batteries and flashlights in case of power outages. Also having at least one kerosene lamp is a good idea. (Just remember to keep the wick trimmed and the lamp full of lamp oil with matches nearby) If you have mantel in your home this is a good place to keep your kerosene lamp and one or two large candles,
By having these on the mantel they are easily accessible, and can provide light if needed for most of the room they are in. Providing light and saving your flashlight batteries.
A small portable radio is good to have for weather reports and or entertainment. (Just make sure you have batteries)
Another necessity to have in case of a power outage would be a cell phone. So you could call for help.
Because you maybe without power it is a good idea to have two cell phone chargers one that you keep in your home and one that plugs into your vehicle, this way you have a way to call someone, if your house phone goes out.
If you take any medications keep these all together in a plastic tote that you can put on top of a high shelf or dresser this way you have all your medicines together in case you have to leave your home to go stay somewhere else for a few days. (This could happen if you end up with no power and no heat, and it is bitterly cold).
Another thing for inside your home to make things easier for you is to have plenty of non perishable items on hand that you can eat if you don't have a way to cook. (Things like crackers, peanut butter, and jelly, bread, boxed milk, dry cereal, canned items, fruits etc)
And have extra drinks, soda's juices, water, etc. Also have extra water set aside in case your water freezes this way you can at least flush the toilet.
Other things to make things more comfortable and safer around your home would be to have all pathways in your home clean and clutter free (to avoid tripping hazards) especially in the case of power outages. Also have at least one big bag of rock salt to put on any steps to melt any ice that may accumulate.
Extra socks, sweaters, mittens and hats are always good. And blankets, and may be needed if you are not able to get out during a severe winter ice or snow storm, and/or loose power and heat.
Something to NOT do ever is to use a charcoal grill inside your home for heat, I read the other day that some people did exactly that and died from carbon monoxide poisoning. (Only use heaters designed for indoor home use, and follow the directions) Portable kerosene heater are always a good option, just remember to be safe with them, never leave unattended, and do not refill inside you home, or while on.
Speaking of which you do need to make sure you have a working smoke alarm in your home one each level of your home, and a carbon monitor. These can literally save your life. A working fire extinguisher is also a good idea on each level of your home, for small fires that you can put out.
Okay, I have told you a few things that would be helpful around your home in case of a winter storm that will help you to stay safer and be more comfortable.
I do want to mention one last thing about comfort in your home though, if you have advance warning of a storm you can make a large pot of chili, soup or stew, then keep covered and simmer for later when you loose power. (If you don't loose power then you at least have dinner covered, and maybe a late night snack)
(Making something to eat such as a large pot of chili is for those who have their homes as ready or prepared as possible for bad weather, and who will not be able to get out if they loose power. This will at least provide something to eat while waiting on the power to be restored.)
So what about if you are going out in your car and you have a chance of running into some bad weather. What might you do before you leave to be more prepared?
Well one thing that you can do, is to make sure your gas tank is full, and that you have had your vehicle checked over, (that it has been maintained, things like have the oil changed, anti-freeze levels checked, brakes checked, tires etc.
Then after all that has been done another thing you can do is to have your vehicle cleaned before you get ready to leave, completely cleaned inside and out, so all windows are clean and clear, seats and floor cleaned.
Then get a few blankets that you can keep in your car fold these length wise and cover the seats with them. Two or three should be enough and should not interfere with any car seats or seat belts. You can also drape a blanket or two across the back of a seat too if you want. Do this neatly and it won't even be noticeable.
Next fill a small plastic tote with a variety of non perishable snacks and foods. Slide this under the seat or set in the back floor board. Be sure to include paper towels, and disposable cups. (This is like an emergency picnic basket only it is filled with things that will last a lot longer)
You will also want to include several drinks two or three liter size. (This is just in case you get stranded or trapped in your vehicle)
Then in the trunk of your car have extra water for your car and yourself (especially if you are planning a long trip) If you will just be out and about locally one or two gallons should be more than enough.
Extra water proof gloves, mittens, knit hats and extra winter weight socks will also be something that you should keep in mind. Because these could keep you from freezing if you find your self stranded, and your cars heat runs out.
Clean old towels rolled up and kept with your emergency kit may also be beneficial. (These may be used to dry off with if you find yourself wet from snow and ice.)
You should always keep a first aid kit in your vehicle just in case you ever need it, but especially in winter because you are more likely to have a serious accident during bad weather, as are others which can delay rescue workers getting to where you are.
If you are traveling with children keeping a few quiet activities such as coloring books or reading materials in your vehicle can be helpful.
You do not need a lot of distractions when driving in bad weather.
You can have a safe and happy winter, but it pays to be prepared, and being over prepared in the winter time is a lot better than being under prepared even if you are just going across town.
Remember to have emergency supplies easy access in both your home and vehicle and you should be a lot happier and safer, during bad weather especially.
*******************************************************************************
As you can see the above article needed to be edited, so I may have to make edits at some point, however, right now I am just moving articles.
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