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Severe Weather Safety Tips
The weather forecast of central Ohio can vary. This makes it difficult for older adults to stay safe. Weather conditions can range from tornadoes, winter storms, dangerous winds, flooding, extreme heat and more. With older adults being vulnerable and more susceptible to these extreme weather conditions, prevention is the best medicine. We encourage you to adopt the best practices and tips available below. It is our hope to keep the residents of Franklin County safe and without injury.
Be Prepared
Older Ohioans are encouraged to have an emergency plan and kit that will allow them to remain in place for at least three days if they are unable to safely leave their homes. Your plan and kit should include:
- A battery-operated radio, flashlight, and extra batteries for both of those items
- Food you can open and prepare easily without electricity
- One gallon of water per person, per day
- A first-aid kit and backup supply of medications
- Spare glasses, extra hearing aid batteries, and non-powered alternative to assistive and medical equipment that may not work without electricity
- A loud horn, whistle, or bell you can use to help first responders locate you
- The names and phone numbers of people you can call for help if you need it
- A plan for where you will go if it is unsafe to remain in your home, and how you will get there
Ask a reliable family member, friend, or neighbor to visit or call you in an emergency and agree on a plan for what they should do if they are unable to reach you. Caregivers should plan for the possibility that they will not be able to physically be with their loved ones, or that their loved ones may need to leave their home for safety.
Warming Stations
In the event of a winter power outage, the Community Shelter Board has compiled a list of warming stations located in the Columbus area that residents can go to keep warm. Anyone in need of shelter can call the Homeless Hotline at (614) 274-7000.
Check on Your Neighbor
Checking in on older friends, relatives, and neighbors during severe weather helps them feel connected and gives you an opportunity to spot potential issues and help them get assistance if they need it.
- Check their home: Is the temperature comfortable? Are they heating or cooling it safely? Is there any damage to their home? Are outdoor walkways clear of snow, ice, or debris?
- Check their health: Do they appear alert and aware? Have they fallen? Are they taking their medications as prescribed? Do they need medical attention?
- Check that their daily needs are being met: Do they have safe food and water? Are they able to do what they need to do? Do they have someone to call for support and a reliable way to call for emergency help if they need it?
You can check in on an older loved one or neighbor by telephone, text message, email, video call or in-person if it is safe to travel.
More Tips and Resources
National, State and Local Agencies
Agencies on Aging
Administration for Community Living: The Administration for Community Living funds services and supports provided by networks of community-based organizations and invests in research and innovation to help older adults and people with disabilities live where they choose, with the people they choose, and participate fully in their communities.
Ohio Department of Aging: The Ohio Department of Aging seeks to provide leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families, and their caregivers.
Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging: The Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a) is a statewide network of agencies that provide services for the elderly and advocate on behalf of older Ohioans. The Association addresses issues impacting the aging network, provides services to members, and serves as a collective voice for Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging.
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging: The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging provides in-home services for seniors, resources, and education to support senior independence, choice, and dignity. COAAA services Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Madison, Pickaway, and Union counties.
Council for Older Adults of Delaware County: The Council for Older Adults of Delaware County, Ohio, offers in-home services for senior citizens and their caregivers. Our senior services include Meals On Wheels, care coordination by licensed social workers, and referrals to licensed providers.
Eldercare Locator: The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources including meals, home care, and transportation.
Agencies Dealing with Elder Abuse and Protective Services
National Center on Elder Abuse: The NCEA, directed by the U.S. Administration on Aging, is committed to helping national, state, and local partners in the field be fully prepared to ensure that older Americans live with dignity, integrity, independence, and without abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The NCEA is a resource for policy makers, social service and health care practitioners, the justice system, researchers, advocates, and families.
Ohio Coalition for Adult Protective Services: OCAPS is a statewide coalition that strives to enhance the provision of services to adults at risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation through education and advocacy.
Additional Resources
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