At National Church Residences, we work hard to keep our seniors safe and healthy. As the weather changes, it is important that all seniors, especially those that live independently stay safe in the winter weather.
We’ve pulled together a few tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this season.
CAREFUL IN THE SNOW – AVOID FALLS

The number of fall risks increase in the winter time. The snow and ice create an issue for many seniors to navigate. With a couple of quick precautions, the risk of falls can be mitigated:
- Make sure that you have shoes with non-skid soles
- Have a friend or family member or even a neighbor clear walkways and driveways of all snow and ice
- If you have a cane, replace the rubber tip before it wears down
DRESS WARMLY – AVOID HYPOTHERMIA AND
FROSTBITE

Many seniors have trouble regulating their body temperatures and exposure to the cold temperatures leaves them vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite. Here are a couple of tips to help avoid these issues:
- Make sure you wear layers! Hats, gloves, scarves are a must to protect from the elements.
- Don’t stay outside too long. Prolonged exposure creates risk.
PREPARE YOUR CAR – CAREFUL ON THE ROADS

Winter time driving can become treacherous! Accidents in the winter mean more risk to those involved. Take the necessary precautions to help avoid accidents in the winter and if in the event you or a loved one experience an emergency, try these:
- Winterize your car with new tires, windshield wipers, and antifreeze
- Avoid driving on icy road
- Have a winter readiness kit in case of an emergency with blankets, first aid kit, roadside flares, shovel and kitty litter
CHECK YOUR ALARMS – AVOID FIRES

In an effort to keep warm, the chance of fire goes up in many people’s homes. Starting the fireplace and using space heaters cause numerous fires during the colder months. Take these safety measures to avoid the threat of fire:
- Test fire and carbon monoxide alarms
- Schedule an appointment to have a professional sweep your chimney to avoid chimney fires
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that is flammable
BE READY FOR POWER OUTAGES

In many parts of the country, high winds and ice knock out the power during the winter and for some it can take hours or even days to come back on. Prepare in advance in case of an emergency:
- Keep a flashlight and extra batteries nearby
- Make sure you have non-perishable food items accessible
- Have a battery-powered radio on hand to keep up with the news and any emergency updates
Download a copy of these Winter Safety Tips to keep on hand and keep safe during this season. Click Here.