Tips to Prepare for Cold Weather (code blue) Staying warm: Prepare Yourself Keep room temperature at least 65 degrees Wear layers of cotton clothing Avoid sleeping in the clothes you wore during the day Find out if any medicines you are taking makes you more sensitive to cold Stay active around the house instead of sitting still Eat well balanced, nutritious meals help the body produce its own heat Drink warm, sweet drinks like hot cocoa or sweetened coffee Avoid alcoholic drinks - they can cause your body to lose heat Prepare Your Home Have working smoke detectors on every floor of the house Check batteries monthly! Clean chimney yearly Never leave fireplaces burning if you are not nearby Always use a fire-screen Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from throw-rugs, furniture upholstery, and stairways. Never use the oven to heat your home Do not burn newspaper in the fireplace Have at least one working fire extinguisher and know how to use it Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home Prepare Supplies Emergency Phone List (fire department, police, gas company, friends) Emergency food. Keep food that will not spoil (and a can opener if food is canned) Plenty of drinking water (tap water is fine) A battery-powered radio and extra batteries A flashlight and extra batteries A supply of medicine you normally take (check the expiration dates) A small first aid kit Extra blankets or sleeping bags A change of clothes Baby supplies, diapers, powdered formula, food, and bottles Prepare for the Outdoors Put clothing on in layers, with a water-resistant layer at the top Change your clothes if they get wet or damp Always wear a hat Wear a scarf and mittens When temperature or wind chill drops to 10º or less, limit time outside to no more than 30 minutes Pace yourself and avoid overdoing it in the cold Do not walk or skate on ice less than 3 inches thick When shoveling snow, take breaks Prepare your Car Check anti-freeze and wiper fluid before getting on the road Keep sand, salt or kitty litter in the trunk Keep a shovel, flashlight, jumper cables and a can of pressurized flat-repair aerosol in the car Store non-perishable snacks and an old blanket in the trunk Drive slowly and plan extra time to reach your destination Seniors - Ways To Prepare Find a "buddy" who will check in on you daily in person or by telephone Stay active inside of your home To prevent falls, ask someone to shovel or de-ice your walks and porches Make sure your house is heated at least to 65 degrees
Tips to Prepare for Cold Weather (code blue)
Prepare Yourself
Prepare Your Home
Prepare Supplies
Prepare for the Outdoors
Prepare your Car
