Seniors' Winter Guide
Brrrr... Prepare now for winter and avoid the worry when snow begins to fall. With planning, you can reduce the disruptions winter weather can create.
- Be alert to changing weather conditions. Stay indoors during a storm.
- Dress appropriately. Several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat.
- By law, every property owner must remove snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks. If you are clearing the sidewalk, do not overexert yourself. If you are unable to clear the sidewalks, arrange for a relative, friend, or neighbour to help you.
- Keep a bag of sand or salt (or environmentally safe alternative) handy. Apply it to walkways and sidewalks next to your property.
- Avoid unnecessary travel. If you plan on driving, prepare your vehicle for winter. Replace your tires and pack an emergency kit.
- Stock your 72-hour household emergency kit; be sure it includes:
- Battery-operated radio
- Can opener (manual)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and batteries
- Food that won’t spoil, e.g. canned food, energy bars and dried fruit
- Medications and prescriptions you require
- Warm clothing and blankets
- Water (2L per person per day)
- Create an emergency contact list identifying your personal support network. This may include physicians, a contact from a seniors group, neighbours and your building superintendent. Keep your list close to the phone for quick access.
- If you have special medical needs, keep a three-day supply of your medications on-hand. Have back-ups for any medical equipment you use: extra hearing aid batteries, reading glasses and medical supplies (such as oxygen).
- During a snow storm, conditions can be dangerous. Make prior arrangements with a relative or friend to take you to your appointments. Alternatively, reschedule your appointments for another day.
- Add these numbers to your personal contact list: BC HYDRO: 1-800-BCHYDRO, FortisBC (natural gas): 1-888-224-2710, and the Langley Senior Resources Society: 604-530-3020.