Tips for Preparing Your Loved Ones for Winter Storms

While the winter season brings with it a certain sense of wonder and beauty to the Lehigh Valley, the weather doesn’t always cooperate the way we would hope. Winter storms can be particularly dangerous for any of our older loved ones, as they can lead to power outages, slippery sidewalks and difficulty accessing necessary medical care. For this reason, it’s important to ensure that we are taking the necessary steps in order to prepare our loved ones for winter storms before they occur—and our team at Heather Glen Senior Living has created the ideal checklist for you to follow.

Stock up on supplies

One of the most important things your loved ones can do to prepare themselves for winter storms is to make sure they have enough food and supplies on hand. This includes non-perishable food items, such as canned goods and dried fruits, as well as bottled water, flashlights and extra batteries. It’s also a good idea to have a small generator on hand in case of power outages as well as a manual can opener for easy access to all of their canned goods. 

Have additional heating options

Another important aspect of winter storm preparedness for your loved ones is to make sure they have alternate ways of staying warm. This means having plenty of blankets and warm clothing on hand, as well as a working heating system. If your loved one lives alone, it’s also a good idea for them to have a working cell phone in case of an emergency. 

Have a plan in place

In addition to having supplies on hand, it’s also important for seniors to have a plan in place for how to stay safe during a winter storm. This might include having a designated place to go to in case of power outages or other emergencies, as well as a list of emergency contact numbers. 

Always keep an eye on the weather

It’s also important for your loved ones to stay informed about the weather and any potential storms that might be coming within the next few days. Encourage them to watch the local weather forecast regularly or sign up for weather alerts and emergency notifications for their phone. Additionally, especially if you do not live near your loved one, it’s also a great idea that you also keep an eye on the weather around them to ensure that they will always know when a winter storm is headed their way.

Continue to stay active 

Finally, it’s important for our loved ones to take steps to stay active and engaged during the winter months. This might include joining a club, taking up a hobby or participating in any community events nearby. Staying active is a great way to provide a sense of social connection and purpose for our loved ones, but it’s also a great way for them to stay mentally and physically sharp.

Put your trust in our team

Winter storm preparedness is an important consideration for everyone, but especially for our older loved ones as they can be particularly vulnerable to the dangers of winter weather. By taking steps to prepare for winter storms, we can help ensure that our loved ones will stay safe and comfortable during the winter season. 

If you think that this might be the year to begin looking for alternative living options for any of your older loved ones, our team at Heather Glen Senior Living is always ready to show you around our beautiful community. Give us a call at (610) 841-4478 or fill out our online form to set up a tour today.