Chilly temperatures means more focus on seniors

With below freezing temperatures hitting the area overnight and expected to continue through Wednesday, the elderly population is advised to take extra care over the next few days.

A cold front coming from the western part of the state, which moved through the area Monday night with temperatures in the upper 20s, left behind a chill that Casey Dail, duty forecaster with the National Weather Service in Newport, said will drop temperatures into the 40s throughout the day today and into the low to mid 20s tonight.

“It’s going to be pretty cold the next few days,” Dail said.

Sheri Slater, director at Onslow Senior Services, said when temperatures drop, the organization is available to help the elderly in need with everything from obtaining fuel for heaters and providing assistance with electric bills, to calling a repairman to repair a heater, through the agency’s nonprofit organization, Friends of the Aging.

“We try really hard to be available for any need that a senior has,” she said. “So if they call us and tell us that their heater is broken or they don’t have something along those lines, we do anything we can to rectify the problem.”

During the cooler months when seniors need to use heating elements in their homes, Slater said there are several things for them to keep in mind, such as the types of heaters they use.

“Be careful about overloading circuits and please don’t use old heaters that might have frayed edges,” she said. “We really try to get (the senior population) away from older heaters with the grade fronts. They make space heaters now that are much safer.”

Slater added that cooking appliances such as ovens or gas stoves should not be used as a heat source.

“We’ll do everything we can to access appropriate heating that is safer for (the senior population),” she said.

Seniors should also make sure smoke detectors in their homes have working batteries, Slater added.

“That way, if there is a problem, they are alerted to it very quickly,” she said.

And those brave enough to weather the chilly temperatures should be sure to dress appropriately and travel safely.

Slater recommends seniors dress in layers to stay warm and also to prevent overheating in warmer environments.

“Be careful when driving as there might be ice on the road. If there is ice on the road or the weather is bad, don’t go out unless you have to.”

Thus far the winter in Onslow County has been mild and Slater said senior services has not had many requests for help with heating and other cold weather needs.

Temperatures are expected to warm up through the New Year holiday with temperatures in the low 50s Thursday and Friday, Dail said. However, cooler temperatures are forecast again Saturday as another high pressure pattern moves back into the area.

Cold weather tips for the elderly:

- Dress warmly on cold days even if you are staying in the house. Set your heat at 68 degrees or higher.

- Wear loose layers when you go outside on chilly days. Wear a hat, scarf, and gloves. Don’t stay out in the cold and wind for long periods of time.

- Talk to your doctor about health problems that may make it harder for you to keep warm.

- Find safe ways to stay active even when it’s cold outside.

- Ask a neighbor or friend to check on you if you live alone.

- Close the vents and shut the doors in any rooms in your home not in use. Place a rolled towel in front of all doors to keep out drafts.

- Keep blinds and curtains closed.

Source: National institute on Aging

Contact Molly DeWitt at 910-219-8455 or mdewitt@freedomenc.com.