Winter Blizzard 2016

January 23rd, 2016

Much of the East Coast is in the middle of one of the worst blizzards.  These storms can cause damage to property and cars, but we often forget that they can adversely affect your health.  Already the news reports have stated there have been 9 deaths so far.  Most were from car accidents, but there were also a few heart attacks in people who were shoveling snow.

Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe during the storm.

• Make sure you have enough medications for you and your family’s chronic conditions (e.g. insulin for diabetics) to last for the the next 7 days
• If a medication requires cold storage, make sure to freeze some ice packs that you can place in a cooler
  Collect clean tap water in pots and pans that you can use for drinking should the municipal water system be contaminated by the storm surge/runoff. Continue to drink only boiled water after the storm if needed.
  Make a list of your medical conditions, names of all medications and doses. If you need to evacuate or need to go to a hospital for an injury, this information is important. If you have a heart condition, you should have a copy of your latest EKG (electrocardiogram). Keep these papers in a plastic waterproof sealable bag.
• Print out a list of phone numbers of family and friends. If you lose power, you may not be able to recharge your phone and access those numbers. This is especially important if you need to evacuate.
• Create a small bag filled with water, food (granola bars, nuts, etc), some cash and clean clothes should you need to evacuate. (remember, you may not be able to use ATM’s if the power goes out)
• Check on elderly relatives and neighbors. Elderly people are most vulnerable to dehydration. Make sure they have plenty of bottled water available.
• First aid kit. Have it accessible at all times. Fallen trees and flying debris can cause wounds that need immediate attention.
• Clear any clutter on the floors. If there is no electricity and it is dark, you have a chance of tripping on objects.
• Stock up on food that does not require refrigeration, such as soy milk, cereal, and bottled juices.
• Avoid going outside, even if you think the storm has passed. Be careful, downed power lines and falling tree branches can very dangerous.  Stay off the roads!
• If you have a heart condition or are physically out of shape, do not shovel the snow.  Leave it for someone else to do it.  Snow can get very heavy and shoveling can be very taxing for your heart.
• Dress warmly.  Better yet, put your warm clothes on about 10 minutes before going outdoors.  This will allow your body to trap heat inside your clothing and keep you much warmer.  Make sure all skin is covered with clothing.  Wearing goggles or sunglasses can be helpful to keep sharp snow from scratching your eyes.
• Drink plenty of fluids.  Cold air is dry air.  You lose a lot of fluid just being cold and outdoors.
• Moisturize your skin.  This is best done after showering to lock in moisture.  Don’t forget your lips!  Chapped lips can be feel very uncomfortable.

Stay safe and keep warm!