WINTER STORM SURVIVAL GUIDE

General tips for senior citizens:

Seniors are at risk for developing hypothermia, a condition caused by body temperature that drops below 95 degrees. Symptoms are slowing down of the heart, weakness and confusion. Seniors at high risk are those who live in cold homes, drink alcohol, take certain prescription drugs, have a poor diet, have limited mobility or have had a stroke or diabetes.

Keep room temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees.

Dress warmly in layers. Wear a hat.

Avoid tight clothing and tight shoes.

Change long underwear and socks if they become damp or wet.

Use extra blankets.

Try to stay indoors during periods of ice and snow. Many falls occur when ice is so thin that it is difficult to see. Be careful in shady areas.

Keep an emergency shelf of food. Some suggestions are canned fruit, juice, canned vegetables, canned meat or fish, canned soups or stews, ready-to-eat cereals, dried fruit, peanut butter and jellies, crackers, instant coffee, tea or cocoa.

Be prepared. Have a home survival kit, including a flashlight, batteries, matches, candles and first-aid materials. Have a supply of calcium chloride and/or sand. Have your home heating system checked and serviced.

Listen frequently to weather reports for storm warnings.

Source: Somerset County Office on Aging

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Staying healthy shoveling snow:

If you shovel, start early when the snow is still powdery. Wet, frozen snow is harder to lift. Move only small amounts of snow at a time.

Rest frequently.

Many people don't know when to quit. If you feel chest pain, call 9-1-1 for emergency medical assistance.

Don't shovel if you have hypertension or heart disease, are a chronic smoker or are older than 40 and not in good physical condition.

Take your time and use proper body mechanics. Bend with your legs, not your back. Turn with your feet. Don't twist.

Sources: Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center and Raritan Bay Medical Center.

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Do's and dont’s driving in the ice and snow:

DO

Slow down.

To correct a skid and get as much traction as possible, remove your foot from the accelerator and the brake pedal. This allows the vehicle to slow down naturally. Steer in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go. For example, if the back of your car is going right, the front of your car will move left. Turn right to straighten the car. Hold the steering wheel firmly, but do not make sudden or wide turns.

Keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles.

When approaching a hill, observe how other vehicles are reacting and stay far enough behind them so you won't have to stop. Increase your speed at the bottom of the hill. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down the hill as slowly as possible. Minimize brake use on slippery, icy hills.

DON'T:

Panic or speed.

Change lanes or oversteer while traveling on ice.

Don't brake if you start skidding, and don't jerk the steering wheel.

Sources: Anthony Parenti, president of the New Jersey Traffic Officers Association and director of the John H. Stamler Police Academy in Scotch Plains, and the American Automobile Association.

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Despite their fur coats, pets also suffer when the temperature dips and extreme weather hits. Here are some pet safety tips:

Provide outdoor pets with a dry, insulated house or shelter out of the wind. Bring your pet inside if the wind chill or other weather conditions become severe.

Cats and kittens often nap on car engines for warmth. Knock on the car s hood and honk the horn. Then wait a few minutes before starting your car.

Staying warm requires extra calories, so feed your pet accordingly. Ask your veterinarian for feeding advice.

Pets like the smell and taste of antifreeze, but even a very small amount can kill them. Thoroughly clean up spills at once. Tightly close containers and store them out of your pet s reach.

Always have fresh, clean water for your pet.

Remove ice, salt and caked mud from your pet s paws and coat at once. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has frostbite. Frostbitten skin might turn reddish, white or gray. It may be scaly or sloughing.

Source: Ralston Purina Co.

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Winter Storm Emergency Preparedness

The American Red Cross

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Center for Disease Control