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New York State Office for the Aging director offers winter safety tips for older New Yorkers

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Mon, Mar 13th 2017 05:25 pm

Cold weather conditions can profoundly affect health & safety of older adults

By the New York State Office for the Aging

New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen reminds older New Yorkers and caregivers to take precautions in winter weather, as cold temperatures and heavy snow can create hazardous conditions for older adults.

"Ice, snow and cold temperatures can be a challenge for everyone, but can be particularly dangerous for older adults, who need to be aware of what they must do - or not do - to best protect their health," Olsen said. "Many older adults also have less social contact during winter months, which can lead to loneliness and isolation. Neighbors and family members should regularly check on older individuals to make sure they are healthy and safe."

Some health and safety considerations for older New Yorkers during winter months include:

Physical Activity/Falls Prevention/Isolation

Those with cardiac issues or high blood pressure should always follow doctor's orders about shoveling or performing any strenuous outdoor activity.

•Healthy adults should dress in warm layers and work slowly when doing outdoor chores.

•Take extra precautions to reduce the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Dress appropriately. Don't ignore early warnings signs, which include shivering, confusion, memory loss, drowsiness and slurred speech. Shivering is an important first sign the body is losing heat, and a signal to return indoors.

•Be careful when clearing your car after a snowstorm. Sitting inside a vehicle while the motor is running can become deadly if the tailpipe has been blocked by snow or ice.

•To prevent falls, wear shoes with good traction and nonskid soles, and avoid icy walkways. Remove shoes as soon as you return indoors. Melted snow on floors can lead to slippery conditions inside.

•To avoid social isolation and combat depression, older adults are encouraged to contact their local area agency on aging to find a senior center in their community. In addition, a check-in system, where someone regularly calls or looks in on an older family member or neighbor, can make a big difference in their lives.

Heat your Home Safely

•If you use a fireplace, wood stove or portable kerosene heater to stay warm, be sure there is adequate ventilation to the outside. Without enough fresh air, carbon monoxide fumes can build up in your home.

•Never use a natural gas or propane stove/oven to heat your home. If you are using a kerosene heater, use K-1 grade kerosene only. Never substitute with fuel oil, diesel, gasoline or yellow (regular) kerosene.

•Follow all safety precautions when using wood stoves, space heaters, electric heaters, kerosene heaters and pellet stoves.

•When adding fuel to a space heater, or wood to a wood stove or fireplace, wear nonflammable gloves. Never add fuel to a space heater when it is hot. The fuel can ignite, burning you and your home. Keep the heater away from objects that can burn, such as furniture, rugs or curtains.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a release reminding New Yorkers the deadline to apply for heating assistance is March 17. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income people pay the cost of heating their homes. For more information, visit the HEAP website or call 1-800-342-3009.

Generator Safety

Never run a generator in your home or indoor spaces, such as garages, basements, porches, crawlspaces or sheds, or in partly enclosed spaces such as carports or breezeways. Generators should only be operated outside, far away from (25 feet or more if possible) and downwind of buildings. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid fire and/or carbon monoxide poisoning.

•Do not exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Overloading your generator can damage it and any appliances connected to it. Fire may result. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Fuel spilled on a hot generator can cause an explosion. If your generator has a detachable fuel tank, remove it before refilling. If this is not possible, shut off the generator and let it cool before refilling. 

"Don't Be Left in the Dark - Weathering Floods, Storms and Power Outages," developed by the New York State Department of Health, is a guide for homeowners and others who want to prepare for power outages and other consequences of severe weather events.

Additional cold weather tips are available on the New York State Department of Health website.

About the New York State Office for the Aging

The mission of the New York State Office for the Aging is to help older New Yorkers be as independent as possible, for as long as possible. This is achieved through advocacy, development and delivery of person-centered, consumer-oriented and cost-effective policies, programs and services that support and empower older adults and their families, in partnership with the network of public and private organizations that serve them.

For information about the New York State Office for the Aging, visit the NYSOFA Facebook page; follow @NYSAGING on Twitter; or visit www.aging.ny.gov.

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