The Franklin County Board of Commissioners and Office on Aging are urging residents to check on older relatives, neighbors and friends today and tomorrow to ensure they are warm and safe in the midst of snowy conditions and falling temperatures. It's also important to make sure they have access to enough medication and food for a few days.

Commission President John O'Grady says, "If you have an older neighbor, knock on their door and make sure they are okay. Send your kids over to shovel and salt their sidewalk and driveway for them."

Commissioner Paula Brooks suggests, "If you are headed to the grocery to stock up some items for yourself, call an older neighbor and offer to grab some staples for them, too."

"Encourage seniors to stay indoors, where it's warm," says Commissioner Marilyn Brown. "Recommend that they monitor their local news for weather updates and to call you if they need anything. I would encourage everyone to check up on their neighbors, by phone or in person."

Driving conditions may become less than optimal, so call ahead before heading out and exercise good judgment. The inability to travel may affect many older residents who need food or medicine.

Ways to ensure senior safety in wintry conditions:

• Call to make certain they are warm and have food and necessary medicines.
• Ensure they have a flashlight, batteries and radio in case of a power failure.
• This snow may linger for a few days, so if you are shopping for food for an older adult, purchase drinking water, canned fruit, juice, canned vegetables, canned meat or fish, canned soups or stews, ready-to-eat cereals, dried fruit, peanut butter, jellies, crackers, instant coffee, tea or cocoa.
• Once the snow has stopped, offer to shovel and salt their walkway or sidewalk.
• Encourage them to stay indoors. Falls can occur on ice that is sometimes difficult to see under the snow
• Advise them to frequently monitor local television or radio stations for updates on current weather conditions.

The Franklin County Office on Aging administers the Senior Options program, which is a one-stop shop for information and access to senior services. Call Senior Options at (614) 525-6200 to link with a caring professional trained to help solve senior problems.