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The wintertime comes with the promise of snow as well as spending time with the family for the holidays. However, winter can also be a dangerous season, with icy conditions and flu season accompanying the snow.

Here are some winter health tips, as well as some safety tips, to help keep you and your family safe all season long.

Winter Safety Tips for Your Home

• Insulate your home by sealing cracks in windows and doors
• Keep smoke detectors up-to-date
• Make sure your walls and roof are properly insulated
• Have a professional check your heater/furnace
• Inspect and keep fireplaces/chimneys clean
• Keep shovels/ice blowers on hand to the clear snow
• Prevent your pipes from freezing by keeping your house no colder than 55 degrees
• Clean out the gutters
• Drain your sprinklers of any excess water
• Mulch flower beds to protect soil from the cold
• Cut dangerous branches hanging from the trees on your lawn
• Store items that may get damaged by the snow in your garage
• Install a thermostat and heating system that can automatically keep your house at a set temperature
• Keep ceiling fans up to date. Ceiling fans can be used to blow warm air around the house

Be Ready For Emergencies

• Create an emergency kit in case of a snow storm
  • If you live in a frigid climate or are traveling to one, be ready to treat frostbite, hypothermia, and other conditions that may occur in the winter. Keep these instructions in your emergency kit
• Keep extra food on hand in case you are snowed in
• Ensure you have a way to heat a room in case of a power outage
• Have a light source, such as a battery-operated lantern
• Keep extra phone batteries or portable batteries in case you need to call an emergency number
• Have extra mittens, hats, blankets, and clothes to keep warm
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand
• Make sure you know what your insurance policy covers in case of damage from a snow storm

Winter Health Tips

• Get vaccinated against the flu and other common winter illnesses
• Wash your hands with soap and water regularly
• Avoid shoveling snow and ice when the temperature is extremely cold. This could put you at risk for injury or heart attacks
• Clean and sanitize surfaces often
• Wear chap stick to protect your lips from the cold air
• Find a way to continue exercising even in the cold weather. This could include at-home routines or going to the gym
• Keep a steady sleep pattern and get approximately 8 hours a night
• Make sure you are getting enough vitamin D. Talk with a doctor if you think you may need to take supplements
• Stay hydrated
• Stay home if you’re sick and rest
  • Know the warning signs of the flu and other common illnesses that may spread. You should see a doctor if your condition worsens over time
• Keep your distance from sick individuals

Staying Warm During the Winter

• Wear a hat, scarf, or hood when outside
• Cover your nose and mouth to shield it from cold air
• Wear layers
• Wear wind and water resistant clothing
• Wear gloves to protect your hands
• Wear waterproof boots
• When doing winter activities such as snowboarding or skiing, wear the proper protective clothing
• Remove wet clothing promptly

Car Winter Safety Tips

• Avoid driving in dangerous weather
• Pull over if you drive and a storm hits. Wait until it’s safe to continue driving.
• Make sure the heat in your car is working
• Have snow tires installed onto your car
• Keep your windshield washer fluid full
• Know how to shut off the water in case your pipes freeze
• Regularly fill your gas tank
• Keep an emergency kit in your car. You should have:
  • Blankets, hats, gloves, etc. to stay warm
  • Cell phone battery/charger
  • Food/water
  • First aid kit
  • Maps of your local area

Keep up-to-date on Winter Health Tips & Safety Precautions

Now that you know some ways to protect yourself and your loved ones, you can prepare for the colder weather. Take the steps you need to keep your family safe all winter long.

Saber Healthcare is an organization that provides skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and assisted living services across the communities that we serve. To learn more about Saber Healthcare, click here.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.