SE N I OR
HOW TO BE PREPARED FOR
WINTER EMERGENCIES
BY THE FREDERICK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF AGING
It is important that senior citizens in particular should be prepared
in the event that they are homebound by snowstorms, extreme cold
temperatures, power outages or other emergencies.
The following is a list of items that the Frederick County
Department of Aging recommends seniors should keep in a plastic
bin with a tight fitting lid, a suitcase or other secure container.
Store the container in an easy to access location, such as a hall
closet or kitchen cabinet.
1. A working can opener (should be battery- or handoperated in case the power goes out).
2. A working portable radio with fresh batteries (& a package
of spares) tuned to a local radio station for information.
3. A working flashlight and extra batteries. It’s always a
good idea to have a flashlight on each level of your home
or in each room you use frequently.
During severe weather conditions, you should keep a supply of
food on hand for emergencies. The department recommends
the following easy-to-open and prepare foods that can be eaten
without cooking if the power is off. Many of these items come with
pull-off tops and as individual servings. While somewhat more
expensive, they provide variety, convenience, and are easy to use.
• Cans, bottles or boxes of 100% juice
• Canned or instant soups, stews, and casseroles
• Canned meat & fish (tuna, ham, chicken)
• Canned, powdered or shelf stable cartons of milk
• Canned fruits & vegetables
4. An extra set of clothes. A comfortable, warm shirt and
pants or a sweat suit, a pair of socks, and a sweater or
fleece jacket will help keep you warm. Wearing layers of
clothing helps retain body heat. Don’t forget a knit hat and
gloves or mittens to keep your head and hands warm, too.
• Ready-to-serve puddings
5. A warm blanket.
• Peanut butter & jam or jelly
6. A list of phone numbers for family members, doctor,
pharmacy, power company, heating supplier, apartment
manager or landlord, if appropriate, and any other
important numbers you may need quickly.
• Crackers, rice ca kes or bread sticks
7. A charged mobile phone to make an emergency call
(911). This phone does not need to have service to be
used for emergency calls. You may receive a free phone
from the Department of Aging. Call 301-600-1605 for
more information.
• Bottled water (One gallon per person per day is
recommended)
If you need assistance with obtaining food, home heating or
cooling, or other services, contact the Department of Aging.
• Instant or ready-to-eat cereals
• Dried fruits such as raisins, prunes, apricots, apples
• Granola bars or other snack bars
• Instant coffee, tea, hot chocolate or other beverage mixes
• A three- to seven-day supply of medications and other
health supplies
• If you have a pet, keep a one-week supply of food, water
and any pet medications on hand as well.
WINTER 2016 | FREDERICK COUNTY GUIDE
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