What To Do If You Are Snowed In As An Elder

Being snowed in can be a stressful experience for anyone.  However, for elderly individuals, it may pose even more particular risks.  It’s important to be prepared for such an occasion!  The following explains what to do if you are snowed in as an elder to ensure your safety and well-being. 

Before The Storm

Getting prepared before a storm hits may not always be possible. Sometimes bad weather seems to come out of nowhere!  If you do have an ample amount of warning, here are a few general tips to follow.  

Stock Up on Supplies 

Regardless of the weather, it’s wise to have an adequate supply of essentials on hand.  Make a permanent checklist to have on hand! It will help you stay up-to-date on the items you have versus what may need to be acquired.  This includes food, water, medications, walking/hearing aids, and other integral items. 

Food

It is best to keep the pantry filled with non-perishable foods. Canned goods, dried fruits, grains, nuts, and energy/protein bars, for example. (Always follow the recommendations provided to you by health professionals).

Safety

In the case of a power outage, navigating the home must be kept as safe as possible.  Having a supply of battery-powered lighting is important for numerous reasons.  Proper lighting will keep potential obstacles in plain sight and prevent falls.  This is especially important since emergency services are likely already inundated with calls.  It will also facilitate safely taking any medications.

We also recommend checking the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They should be functioning properly and have new batteries.  Alternative methods of acquiring heat will likely be used, making this especially important to limit accidental fires and other incidents.

Emergency Medical Plan

On this note, we recommend creating an emergency medical plan. This can be done with the help of your doctor. The goal is to know how to maintain care and medical services if leaving the house isn’t an option.  This is especially important if walking aids, and equipment such as oxygen, bi-pap, or c-pap machines are used.  

Keep a list of the medical devices used, including ones that may not be apparent.  For example, pacemakers and continuous glucose monitors (CGM). On this list, be sure to include the manufacturer’s name and the serial number for each device.

Similarly, having access to medication is important. However, the other concern is knowing how to take the medication safely.  It doesn’t matter how comfortable someone is with their medication(s). Nor how long they have taken the same dosage. We must factor in the toll that being snowed in can take.  

It would be normal for the stress to make even the most mundane tasks more difficult.  The same applies to taking medications safely. This is why devising a plan of action for these circumstances is highly advised.

Potential Isolation 

It’s impossible to know exactly how long you may be snowed in.  Even a short period can feel much longer once isolation settles in.  To keep your mind and body active and healthy, stay busy!  Gather activities like books and puzzles and keep them in an easily accessible place.  It’s important to pass the time in safe ways that don’t pose risks to your health.

Have Emergency Contacts Ready 

Keeping a list of emergency contacts nearby is simply part of responsible emergency planning.  This list should include important local service numbers, family members, and friends.

Besides having emergency contacts, it is ideal for neighbors and those close by to have a plan in place.  Or, a schedule should be set for when they can do check-ins and offer help.  Asking for help in the moment it is needed can be difficult. If a plan is made beforehand, it will ease the process.

During The Storm

Remain Indoors

This may seem like a no-brainer but stay indoors during the storm.  If you’ve run out of supplies, many delivery services are available.  Depending on the storm’s severity, these services may also be unavailable.  Having a backup plan for this situation is also recommended.  (Another example of why it is so important to be prepared before the storm!)

If the storm causes a power outage, use blankets and layers of clothing to keep warm. It can be tempting to warm your space with a portable space heater. But, this comes with possible safety issues.  Some space heaters are fire hazards or can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. For this reason, they are not often recommended for use in these specific situations.

There may be a hundred reasons to attempt venturing outside. We urge you not to. It is essential to avoid exposure to cold temperatures, which can lead to frostbite and hypothermia.

Stay In Touch 

Try to have regular communication with family members, friends, or neighbors. With this being said, keeping everyone informed of your status shouldn’t become a hassle or feel overwhelming either. Instead, one person can be the sole point of contact and they can pass the message along to others. A plan should be in place if it becomes impossible to reach anyone or if you are suddenly unreachable.

Monitor Weather Updates 

Stay informed about the weather conditions whenever possible.  If the electricity goes out, use a battery-operated radio to occasionally tune in so you can hear the storm’s status.  In many cases, such sources can provide live updates. This will include how long the storm will last and any changes in the storm activity.  This way, you can plan accordingly for the given time frames.  

After The Storm

Once the storm has passed, it may feel like the worst is over.  However, it is just as important to take precautions for one’s health and safety now as during the storm.  There are a few things to keep in mind when you find yourself snowed in.

Avoid Overexertion 

When snowed in, it may be hard to ignore the steps, driveways, and walkways that are undoubtedly full of snow.  Allow them to remain in this state until they can be tended to at another point!  

Shoveling puts seniors in a vulnerable position. There is a higher risk of heart attacks due to strenuous activity in cold weather.  If hiring help is an option, do so.  Or, ask for aid from someone more capable of helping safely.

Stay Busy

We advise against overdoing activities but we don’t encourage remaining idle!  If you already partake in gentle exercises, try not to let these go to the wayside while snowed in.  If you have a safe space to do them, keep up with your usual schedule. 

However, such an experience can be draining on its own.  If you question whether it is safe to do an activity, it is better to be safe than sorry. It’s okay to take a break and return to the activities once you know you are 100% in the clear.  Preserving your energy should be a priority in case of further emergencies.

Acquire Professional Help 

If being snowed in leaves you unable to tend to daily tasks, consider reaching out for professional assistance.  Or, if you would like to be confident that you are prepared for any future emergency, speak with a specialized professional. They will ensure you and your home are safe.

Following these tips will ensure you are better equipped to handle the challenges of being snowed in.  While it’s important to stay busy in responsible ways, health and safety must remain at the forefront of priorities.  

If you wish to plan ahead of time or require assistance, call Lianas Services at (514) 622-8074.  You may email us at info@lianasservices.com if you have questions or request guidance.