Winter is coming, and while it brings cozy nights and hot cocoa, it can also bring some challenges when it comes to staying safe. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with some easy tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe when the temperature drops. From preventing slips to staying warm, let’s get ready for a safe and happy winter!
1. Slip-Proof Your Home
Snow and ice can make things pretty slippery, especially around the house. But a few simple fixes can help prevent falls!
-
Front & Back Door Mats: Place a sturdy, slip-proof mat at both your front and back doors. These mats will help keep snowy and wet shoes from turning your entryway into a skating rink.
-
Non-Slip Rugs: Use rugs with rubber backs inside your home to give you a solid grip on the floor, especially near the doors. Bonus tip—make sure the rugs are flat, so you don’t trip!
-
Handrails: Make sure your handrails are sturdy and ready to help you balance, especially if your front porch or steps tend to get icy.
2. Make Your Walkways Safe
Outside your home can be tricky when winter weather hits, but you can prepare now to make it safer!
-
Shovel Early: Don’t wait for snow to pile up! Try to shovel as soon as you can to keep walkways clear. And remember, slow and steady wins the race—don’t rush or overdo it! There’s also no shame in asking for help from a friendly neighbor!
-
Salt or Sand: After shoveling, sprinkle salt or sand on your driveway and sidewalks to melt ice and provide extra grip.
-
Good Lighting: Winter days are short, so make sure outdoor lights are working to brighten up those darker mornings and evenings. Motion sensor lights are a great way to make sure your path is always well-lit!
3. Wear the Right Shoes
Good footwear can make all the difference when it comes to staying safe.
-
Grippy Soles: Shoes with thick, rubber soles give you better traction on snowy or icy surfaces. If it’s super slippery, you might want to invest in shoe grips—rubber or metal attachments that add even more grip to your shoes.
-
Easy On, Easy Off: Choose shoes that are easy to take on and off, so you’re not struggling at the door and possibly losing your balance.
4. Bundle Up!
Cold weather means bundling up, but you want to make sure you stay warm without making it hard to move around.
-
Layers: Layer up with pieces you can easily add or remove to stay comfortable in changing temperatures. A well-insulated puffy coat works wonders for warmth, but be sure it’s not too bulky—freedom of movement is key to staying safe. And for extra convenience, look for a puffer with roomy pockets to keep your essentials close at hand, so your hands stay free and ready to grip railings or support yourself when needed!
-
Gloves and Hats: Keep your fingers and head warm! But if you’re wearing gloves, make sure they still give you a good grip when holding onto railings or your walker.
5. Keep Your Home Cozy (and Safe!)
Staying warm inside is just as important as staying safe outside. Here’s how to do both.
-
Check Your Heating: Get your furnace or heating system checked before it gets too cold. If you use space heaters, make sure they’re at least three feet away from anything flammable (like curtains or furniture).
-
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: If you have a fireplace or gas appliances, make sure your home has a working carbon monoxide detector. You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, so a detector is essential for safety!
-
Stay Hydrated: You might not feel as thirsty in the winter, but it’s important to keep drinking water to stay healthy. Keep a water bottle nearby as a reminder to sip throughout the day.
6. Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit
Snowstorms can sometimes lead to power outages or icy roads, so it’s smart to be prepared with a few essentials.
-
Flashlights and Batteries: Keep a flashlight in an easy-to-find spot in case the lights go out, and make sure you have extra batteries on hand.
-
Blankets: Have warm blankets in case the power goes out and you need to stay warm.
-
Extra Medications: If you’re snowed in or unable to get to the pharmacy, having extra medication on hand could truly be a lifesaver. Talk to your doctor about getting an extended supply of your prescriptions ahead of time. Many pharmacies now offer convenient delivery services, so you can avoid the hassle of leaving your home altogether. Take advantage of these options to ensure you always have what you need, no matter the weather!
7. Make Sure Your Trusty Medical Guardian Device Is Ready
Winter is a tricky time when it comes to falls—icy sidewalks, slippery steps, and extra layers of clothing can make it easier to lose your balance. Did you know that 1 in 4 older adults experience a fall each year? And these falls are even more common in winter. But you can stay prepared by ensuring your Medical Guardian device is charged and ready to go, especially if you have fall detection enabled.
-
Fall Detection: This feature automatically alerts help if it senses a fall, even if you can’t push the button. It’s a great extra layer of protection during the winter months when falls are more likely to happen.
-
Wear It Daily: Make sure you’re wearing your Medical Guardian device at all times—whether you're inside or outside. Slipping on ice or snow can happen fast, and having your device close by can give you that extra peace of mind that you’re always protected.
-
Test It: Before the cold weather hits, test your Medical Guardian device to make sure everything is working properly. You should already be testing your device monthly, but it doesn’t hurt to do another quick test just to ensure everything is working properly if you see a winter storm approaching. That way, you know you’re always protected if you need help.
If you don’t already have a Medical Guardian, you can explore our medical alert devices today on our website. You can also take a quiz to find the best device for you or contact our team directly.
Wrapping Up
With a little bit of preparation, you can enjoy all the fun parts of winter—without the worry! Slip-proof your home, wear the right shoes and your Medical Guardian, and make sure your walkways and home are safe. Winter is a wonderful season, and with these tips, you can keep it safe and cozy, too.
Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the season!
