Calhoun County Committee On Aging

 

.  .  .  moving onward

 

 



The West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services Comissioner Robert Roswall has issued “Cold Weather Tips for Seniors:”

 

To stay warm: 

       Dress in layers of clothing to stay warm.

       Wear a hat.

       Cover skin with a scarf or knit mask.

       Wear a water resistant coat and boots.

       Wear mittens – they are warmer than gloves.

       Drink plenty of liquids, but no alcohol.  It causes you to lose body heat more rapidly.

       Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia, including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.

       Watch for symptoms of frostbite, including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.

 

To avoid frozen pipes:

       Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing.

       Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.  Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.

       Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night.  Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst.


And also, very important, do not forget your pets.  If you are cold, they are cold.  Bring them inside.