Article by the Fairfax County Health Department’s Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response
(Posted 2023 November)
As leaves fall and temperatures drop, it is a good time to prepare for winter weather storms that can quickly become dangerous. Weather conditions can change multiple times a day, and even a slight change in temperature can determine if you’ll see rain, sleet, or snow. Consider these important health and safety guidelines to prepare for winter weather.
Start with building situational awareness and sign up for emergency alerts. There are several ways to get information during emergencies in Fairfax County:
- Register for Fairfax Alerts, a free service that allows you to receive emergency alerts at different locations by text and email at FairfaxCounty.gov/alerts.
- Fairfax County’s emergency blog is another way to stay connected and learn more about preparedness tips. Sign up at FairfaxCounty.gov/emergency/blog.
Next, take into consideration the health needs of your household members as you build an emergency kit:
- Fairfax County recommends three to five days’ worth of food, water and supplies for each household member.
- Aim to have seven days’ worth of prescription medications on hand.
- Make sure you have flashlights, blankets, and power packs for your mobile phone and other electronic devices.
- Learn more about building a home emergency kit at Ready.gov/kit.
Then, take steps to make sure you can address your health and medical needs during an emergency:
- Take stock of all medications and current medical conditions for all household members.
- Create a personal medicine list for each household member, making sure to include the medication name, dosage, and any instructions on taking it (e.g., with food, in morning or at night, etc.). It should also include details such as your doctor's contact information, nearby hospitals, any medical devices you may need, and their requirements (e.g., battery type, model number, manufacturer).
- Talk to your medical provider and pharmacist to stock a seven-day supply through early refills. Check if your early refills are covered by your health insurance as you plan to build a week of prescription medications for your emergency kit.
- Add your household members to the medical conditions list maintained by your power company if they are dependent on electrically powered medical equipment. This applies to individuals who are dependent on a mechanical ventilator, feeding pump, infant apnea monitor, continuous oxygen, home dialysis, CPAP machine, nebulizer, hospital bed, refrigeration, or HVAC for medical needs. Important: Dominion Energy and NOVEC’s medical conditions list is valid for 12 months, so remember to complete the form yearly.
- Request to be added to Dominion Energy’s medical conditions list at DominionEnergy.com/virginia/start-stop-service/medical-conditions.
- Request to be added to NOVEC’s serious medical condition list at Novec.com/Customer_Services/SMCC.cfm
Lastly, pay attention to the following physical, mental, and emotional factors that impact your health in the colder months:
- Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures increases the risk of developing frostbite and hypothermia. Watch for the signs of these dangerous conditions and seek medical help, if detected. Important: Dress appropriately for the cold. Wear warm layers and footwear with a good grip. Cover exposed skin and limit time outdoors.
- Shoveling is a strenuous activity that raises heart rate and blood pressure while exposure to cold reduces oxygen and blood to the heart, all of which may trigger a heart attack. If possible, arrange for a family member, caregiver, neighbor, or service to shovel for you. If that’s not possible, take frequent breaks and monitor yourself closely for warning signs.
- Equip your home with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause severe illness and death. If you detect signs of dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, headache, confusion, and weakness, call for emergency help and move toward fresh air.
- Watch out for charitable giving scams. Perpetrators recognize seniors are more likely to give to those in need during the holiday season. If you wish to donate, go directly to the organization’s website. Stay clear of untrustworthy websites offering deals that are too good to be true. Do your homework and confirm the retailer is legitimate. Avoid clicking on links and attachments in suspicious emails. Important: If you or someone you know is a victim of a scam, call National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11.
By taking these preparedness steps and working with your caregiver and support network, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable winter. If you have any questions about winter preparedness for health and medical needs, please contact the Health Department’s community preparedness program at HDEPR@FairfaxCounty.gov. Stay safe and warm!
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).