Is Your Parent Really Ready for Another Winter Storm?

Storm after storm keep hitting different areas of the U.S. From days of freezing temperatures in states affected by the Polar Vortex to heavy snow on the East Coast, winter storms keep making it hard for people to fully clean up before the next storm hits.

Caregiver in Fairfax VA: Storm Safety

Before the next storm hits, make sure your mom or dad’s home is prepared. These are the things you need to focus attention on.

Winterize the Car

Hopefully, your mom or dad started off the season having the car winterized. If not, don’t delay. Check tires for decent tread. In snowy/icy areas, winter tires are ideal. Have the oil changed if necessary, check the battery and alternator, and make sure the antifreeze can handle the winter temperatures.

Finally, make sure the windshield washer fluid is not going to freeze up in below zero temperatures. If it’s not rated for at least 20 below, you may want to add some alcohol to the tank to keep the lines from freezing.

Clean Vents

Vents need to be cleared of snow and ice. Go around the house and visually inspect the vent to the heating system, clear away any ice or snow that has built up around it. Do the same with sewer vents, which are usually on the roof, and dryer vents.

Check Heating Fuel Levels

While you’re outside looking at vents, check to see if your parent has enough fuel. If your mom or dad have natural gas, this isn’t a concern. If propane, kerosene, or heating oil are used, you should check. If the levels are getting low, even if your parent is on automatic delivery, make sure the company has them on the list for delivery in the next few days.

Get Down Sand and Salt

Slippery deck steps, sidewalks, and driveways need to be treated with sand or environmentally-friendly salt. You don’t want your parent to slip and fall while going to get the mail or walk the dog. In addition to sand or salt, ashes from a wood stove or pellet stove can be used to help add traction.

Is someone checking on your mom or dad before, during, and after each storm?
Caregivers can check in and make sure your parent has water jugs in case the power goes out. They can cook meals.

For home safety, they can make sure the heating system is working and that there are no frozen pipes. If something is wrong, caregivers can schedule repair services and make sure your mom or dad is not in danger of hypothermia.

Talk to a home care agency about the full range of services that caregivers offer. Call now.

Are you or a loved-one considering hiring a Caregiver in Fairfax, VA?  Please call the caring staff at Medical Professionals On Call today. Contact: 703-273-8818

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Michelle DeFilippis

I graduated with a BS degree and had been selling medical equipment to hospitals, clinics and technicians. More recently, a family member was diagnosed with dementia and we, as a family, realized we were not prepared t care for her. We were thrown into that whirlpool of hospital stays, 24/7 live-in care, skilled care, caring for mom ourselves and finally, now daily home care. This was such a stressful time that I started thinking there had to be other people, other families as overwhelmed and unprepared as we were.

Medical Professionals On Call has such a caring, professional staff who are available to step in with whatever level of care necessary for loved ones and to relieve you of that stress.

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