10 Senior Safety Tips for the Cold Winter Months

During the winter months, older adults have an increased risk of injury. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, seniors 65 and older have a higher chance of suffering fire-related fatalities. Because slip and fire hazards pose such a high risk for seniors during cold weather months, we have listed ten senior safety tips below:

#1 Senior Safety Tip – Check in Consistently

It is so important to check in with your elderly loved ones frequently. If you are unable to, have somebody else, such as a neighbor or a nearby family member check in on them. Another option is to hire an agency that provides caregiving services. This way you can rest assured that they are properly being taken care of and will be safe if there happens to be an emergency.

#2 Senior Safety Tip – Have an Emergency Kit Handy

Make sure seniors have an emergency kit handy. Having the necessary supplies in an emergency can make all the difference. Seniors should have an emergency kit that includes food, water, and other essentials like medicine or hygiene items if there is a power outage or they do not have access to emergency personnel. Ensuring that the emergency kit is stocked with necessary supplies that will last for at least three days minimum is vital for senior safety.

#3 Senior Safety Tip – Place Extension Cords Cautiously

Be careful about extension cord placement. To avoid causing a tripping hazard, keep extension cords away from high-traffic areas. Do not hide them under carpets since this is a fire hazard.

#4 Senior Safety Tip – Light Rooms Sufficiently

All locations in the home should have adequate lighting, as dim holiday lighting can make it more difficult for seniors to see their way around furniture.

#5 Senior Safety Tip – Ensure Light Switch Accessibility

If you have elderly guests, ensure that the light switches in guest bedrooms are reachable from the bed or a nearby chair. Putting a night light between the guest bedroom and the bathroom might also be helpful.

#6 Senior Safety Tip – Ensure Adequate Space Surrounding Furniture

Position furniture, such as low coffee tables, in a way that makes it easier for people to move around.

#7 Senior Safety Tip – Place Non-Slip Pads Underneath Rugs

Ensure you have non-slip pads underneath your throw rugs to avoid slips and falls. If your bathroom or hallway floor is particularly slippery, remove the rugs for safety.

#8 Senior Safety Tip – Keep Children and Pets in Designated Area

When seniors visit your home, ensure young children play in a designated area. You may also consider keeping lively pets under control and supervised when an older guest is present.

#9 Senior Safety Tip – Use Electric Space Heaters With Caution

Make Sure Electric Space Heaters are Being Used Safely. Many fires start in the winter months because of electric space heaters. If you’re going to use one, make sure it’s not next to any drapes, clothing, bedding or wires that can melt or catch fire. The CDC recommends you clear an area of 3 feet around a space heater to ensure safety.

#10 Senior Safety Tip – Take Safety Measures if Heater Stops

If the heating stops, turn taps on slightly to prevent pipes from freezing.

Unfortunately, the winter months tend to bring about more injuries and accidents, particularly among older adults. A few simple safety precautions can go a long way toward preventing accidents and keeping everyone safe.

If you are in the Charleston, SC area and need professional help with water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage mitigation, mold removal, or biohazard clean-up services, please us at (843) 972-4200 today.