Winter Safety for Seniors: 10 Tips for Teller County

Fall in Teller County is beautiful, but anyone who has spent a winter in the Colorado mountains knows how quickly the weather can change. Cooler mornings, shorter days, snow, ice, and freezing temperatures will soon be part of everyday life.

For older adults, taking a little time to prepare before winter arrives can make the colder months safer and less stressful.

From checking your home and preparing your vehicle to organizing medications and planning for winter transportation, here are some important things to consider this fall.

1. Get Your Home Ready for Cold Weather

These winter safety for seniors tips can help older adults throughout Teller County prepare for colder weather and stay safe during the winter months.

Before temperatures begin dropping regularly below freezing, take a walk through your home and look for anything that may need attention.

Consider checking:

• Your heating system

• Windows and doors for drafts

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Outdoor faucets and exposed pipes

• Exterior lighting around entrances and walkways

• Handrails and steps

• Flashlights and backup batteries

If you use space heaters, fireplaces, or other supplemental heat sources, make sure they are being used according to the manufacturer's safety instructions.

Taking care of small issues during fall may help prevent bigger problems once winter weather arrives.

2. Prepare for Snow and Ice Before It Arrives

Snow and ice can create additional challenges for older adults, especially around steps, sidewalks, driveways, and entrances.

Don't wait until the first storm to make a plan.

Keep snow removal supplies where they're easy to reach, and consider arranging ahead of time for someone to help clear walkways if shoveling is difficult or unsafe for you.

Having ice melt or another appropriate traction product available can also help keep frequently used walking areas safer.

Most importantly, don't feel like you have to tackle dangerous winter conditions yourself. Asking a family member, neighbor, friend, or community resource for assistance is always an option.

3. Reduce Fall Risks Inside Your Home

Winter safety isn't only about what happens outdoors.

As daylight hours become shorter, good lighting throughout the home becomes increasingly important. Make sure hallways, stairways, bathrooms, and frequently traveled areas are well lit.

Take a few minutes to look for potential tripping hazards such as:

• Loose rugs

• Electrical cords

• Cluttered walkways

• Uneven flooring

• Items left near stairs

Keeping commonly used items within easy reach can also reduce unnecessary climbing, bending, and stretching.

4. Check Your Emergency Supplies

Colorado winter weather can sometimes bring power outages or make travel difficult.

Having basic supplies available before they're needed can provide extra peace of mind.

Consider keeping:

• Flashlights

• Extra batteries

• Bottled water

• Shelf-stable foods

• Warm blankets

• A battery-powered radio

• Necessary medical supplies

• A current list of emergency contacts

If you rely on electrically powered medical equipment, consider discussing a backup plan with your medical equipment provider before an outage occurs.

5. Review Your Medications

Winter storms can occasionally make it difficult to get to a pharmacy or medical appointment.

Fall is a good time to review your prescriptions and make sure you understand when refills will be needed.

Keep an updated medication list that includes the name of each medication, dosage, prescribing provider, and pharmacy information.

Never change how you take a medication or stock additional medication without first following the guidance of your healthcare provider, pharmacist, and insurance plan.

6. Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

If you drive during the winter, preparing your vehicle before the first major snowfall is important.

Consider checking your:

• Tires

• Battery

• Wipers

• Headlights

• Antifreeze

• Windshield washer fluid

It's also helpful to keep a few emergency supplies in your vehicle, including warm clothing or blankets, a flashlight, water, and a phone charger.

And remember: sometimes the safest decision during severe winter weather is simply not to drive.

7. Make a Transportation Plan

Giving up a trip because of snow doesn't necessarily mean giving up an important appointment or errand.

Before winter arrives, learn what transportation resources are available in your community.

TSC Transit helps provide transportation for adults throughout our community, including transportation to scheduled appointments in Teller County and Colorado Springs.

Planning transportation ahead of time can make winter appointments, shopping, and other essential trips easier to manage.

To learn more about TSC Transit or schedule transportation, call 719-687-0256.

8. Stay Connected During the Winter Months

Winter can sometimes make it harder to get out and spend time with other people, particularly during stretches of bad weather.

Staying connected matters.

Check in regularly with family, friends, and neighbors. Make plans to call or visit one another, and don't hesitate to reach out when you need assistance.

This is also a wonderful time to check on an older neighbor who lives alone. A simple phone call or knock on the door can mean more than you realize.

9. Watch the Weather

Colorado mountain weather can change quickly.

Make it a habit to check the forecast before leaving home, particularly when snow or freezing temperatures are expected.

If conditions look unsafe, consider postponing unnecessary travel.

Keeping your phone charged and having more than one way to receive emergency weather information can also help you stay informed if conditions change.

10. Know Where to Turn When You Need Help

One of the most important parts of preparing for winter is knowing that you don't have to do everything alone.

Teller Senior Coalition provides programs and resources designed to help older adults throughout Teller County remain healthy, active, and independent.

Our services include transportation, food and meal resources, case management, homemaker assistance, caregiver respite, home safety assistance, emergency heating and electrical assistance, and opportunities to stay connected with the community.

If you or an older adult you know could use a little extra support this winter, we encourage you to reach out.

A Little Preparation Can Make a Big Difference

You can't control what a Colorado winter will bring, but you can prepare for it.

Use the fall months to check your home, gather emergency supplies, make transportation plans, prepare for snow and ice, and connect with people who can help if you need them.

And remember to look out for one another.

At Teller Senior Coalition, we're proud to serve older adults throughout Teller County and help our neighbors continue living independently in the community they call home.

Learn more about Teller Senior Coalition, our programs, and available resources: