People with disabilities may want to take extra care during the cold weather season. Some disabling conditions may limit sensory abilities and the ability to maintain body heat, so be particularly vigilant about staying warm when you are out in low temperatures.
- Wear multiple layers of clothing, including a scarf around your neck, a winter hat, lined boots and two pairs of socks.
- If possible, wear thermal gloves underneath mittens to keep your hands warm.
- It’s also a good idea to carry a cell phone.
If you travel in a wheelchair, wrap a small blanket around your legs, tucking it underneath yourself or around your sides. This will help to maintain body heat. Wheelchair users may consider purchasing pneumatic tires for better traction. Another alternative is to use standard dirt bicycle tires. Use table salt or clay cat litter to clear ramps – rock salt can poison working assistance animals and also may be slippery. Remove the tires from your wheelchair and shake debris and ice off them before placing them in your vehicle. Wipe down any metal surfaces (wheelchair tire rims, walkers, etc.) as soon as possible after returning home. This will prevent rusting.
If you are a wheelchair user and unaccustomed to heavy, strenuous wheeling, be very careful when traveling through snow. The added exertion could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Freezing rain also will stick to surfaces such as canes, walkers, forearm cuffs and wheelchairs. Use gripper driving gloves to keep your hands warm and to prevent slipping.
If you use a working assistance dog, remember that dogs also can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite. Get a dog coat to place under the harness, and consider getting boots for the paws. Also, have a blanket in your vehicle for the dog.
Additional tips for people with disabilities:
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If you receive home-based care (e.g., homecare attendant, home health
aide, visiting nurse service), include caregivers in developing your
plan and familiarize yourself with your homecare agency’s emergency
plan.
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If you are blind or have a visual disability, store a talking or
Braille clock or large-print timepiece with extra batteries.
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If you have a pet or service animal, also plan for his or her needs
(e.g., temporary relocation, transportation, etc.).
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If you rely on home-delivered meals, always stock nonperishable food at
home in case meal deliveries are suspended during an emergency.
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Have a plan with your doctor that addresses emergency prescription
refills, if possible.
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If you receive dialysis or other medical treatments, find out your
provider’s emergency plan, including where your back-up site is
located.
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If you rely on medical equipment that requires electric power, contact
your medical supply company for information regarding a back-up power
source such as a battery. Follow the manufacturer's directions when
installing the equipment and the battery back-up. If you use a portable
generator for emergency power, follow the manufacturer’s directions for
safe operation, and check with local fire and building officials for
regulations governing generator and fuel use. Ask your utility company
if the medical equipment qualifies you to be listed as a
life-sustaining equipment customer. Dominion Power customers can
call 1-888-667-3000, TTY 711 for more information.
- If you rely on oxygen, talk to your vendor about emergency replacements.
More Information
- Winter Weather Preparedness Tips (Fairfax County)
- Frozen Water Pipes (Fairfax County)
- Seasonal Safety Information (Fairfax County)
- Snow Removal (Fairfax County)
- Winter Water Tips (Fairfax Water)
- Snow Removal (Virginia DOT)
- Winter Preparedness (Virginia Emergency Management)
- Winter Storm Information (American Red Cross)