The cold weather came quickly, and there were hardly any warnings.

Not only have driving or walking conditions become extremely dangerous, but power outages can cause life-threatening emergencies.

For the elderly and people with serious health problems, winter can be a particularly dangerous time.

For the most vulnerable among us, an important reminder to remember in the colder months is to ask for help. Whether you need to remove ice and snow from your property or stock up on groceries, you should always contact your family or neighbors.

As suggested by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the American Association of Retired Persons, and health agencies, here are 10 ways to help people with medical problems and other disadvantaged residents to help them prepare and protect themselves from the dangers of cold weather Influence. organization. 

The elderly and those with serious health problems should have at least a 7-day supply of medicines. Keeping a list of medications and dosage, frequency, and contact information for prescribing doctors and pharmacists is a useful resource for preparing for winter storms. It is also a good idea to keep spare equipment for wheelchair batteries, oxygen and other medical equipment. 

Winter storms and severe weather conditions can cause road closures, collapse of trees and power lines, making it difficult for families to inspect the people they care for. Make contact information sheets with friends and family and neighbors who live nearby. You may also consider giving some trusted friends or neighbors a key to your home so that they can check your situation in an emergency.

Make sure that mobile phones and other important electronic devices are fully charged, flashlights are within reach, and new batteries and emergency lights work. If you use oxygen, bi-pap, c-pap or other equipment that requires electricity, please consider buying a generator. Make sure you have a battery-powered radio at hand. Excessive power outages will damage the food in the refrigerator and freezer, so please reserve non-perishable foods that can be eaten cold.

Using fireplaces, gas heaters or lanterns can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure your safety by checking the battery on the carbon monoxide detector and purchasing a newer battery when needed. If you use a gas heater or generator, make sure you have at least one fully functional carbon monoxide detector in your home. If you are using an electric heater, check all power cords for fray and remove any damaged equipment.

Electric blankets can keep warm, but they must be used with care to avoid burns, electric shocks or even fires. Any electric blanket or mattress pad that has been in use for more than a few years may need to be replaced. Over time, the coils inside the fabric, as well as power cords and control devices may be damaged, increasing the risk of accidents or injuries. Look for a model with automatic shutdown function. People with poor blood circulation or nerve damage should also take extra care when using heating blankets to avoid thermal burns.

Severe winter storms can cause power outages, which means that the person you need to care for needs to be done indoors. Make sure they are equipped with jackets, hats, gloves and warm socks. It is also a good idea to put a blanket in the room where the person you care about most likes to stay. In this way, they can easily get a blanket no matter where they are in the house.

One of the greatest risks faced by the elderly is falls, because the risk of fractures or being left unattended for a few hours or even days is much greater. The sidewalks are full of ice and snow, posing a serious risk of falling to the elderly. Make sure that your porches, driveways, steps, sidewalks, etc. have been thoroughly cured and eradicated. Make sure you have fitted shoes with non-slip soles, as well as new toe caps or pedals on any walkers you use to maximize your stability.

If you need a short trip, be sure to inform others of your destination and estimated time frame. Pay attention to winter weather advice and travel warnings, and take them seriously. Make sure they have enough time to reach their destination. It is also a good idea to carry your mobile phone with you. If you don’t like technology, please ask a friend or family member to help you set up your phone to use as little navigation as possible to make emergency calls.

Because moving around is difficult and dangerous, many older people have less contact with others during the colder months, which can breed feelings of loneliness and isolation. To avoid these problems, please contact as many family and friends as possible. The elderly can also arrange a registration system with neighbors and friends, and everyone will check one or two people every day.

Older people are particularly susceptible to dehydration because they eat and drink less than younger people, so they consume less water. Generally speaking, people feel less thirsty in winter and do not drink as much fluids as possible. Cold, dry air can also cause moisture loss, so make sure to drink at all times. Signs of dehydration include frequent urination, dark urine, dizziness, and confusion. 

Plan for animals. If you are caring for pets, please make sure they have enough food and medicine. If severe weather is forecast, it can last for several weeks.

To report a power outage, please contact:

To report a plumbing problem, please contact:

Craven County offers a number of federally funded energy programs to provide assistance to families in emergency situations. For more information, please visit https://www.cravencountync.gov/1862/Energy-Programs

The goal of the CIP plan is to help families warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing the risk of health and safety issues. In each crisis situation, the maximum allowable benefit amount per application can be up to $600.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides a one-time payment to help eligible households pay for heating. Only families that include seniors 60 years and older or people with disabilities who receive services through the Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) are eligible for benefits between December 1 and 31.