COLUMBUS, Ohio – The heavy snows and extremely cold air mass which invaded Ohio during the past 10 days
saw residents coping with sub-zero temperatures and extreme wind chill values across much of the state,
according to the National Weather Service.
It’s been a reminder that for a variety of reasons, older adults may have a harder time adjusting to
extreme conditions. Older adults lose body heat more quickly and are more susceptible to hypothermia.

The Ohio Department of Aging encourages all Ohioans to check in on older loved ones and neighbors during
cold temperatures and snowstorms this winter to ensure that they have the resources they need to stay
safe and healthy.
Do an indoor environmental risk assessment:
• Is his or her heating system working?
• Does he or she have adequate means to keep the temperature in the home in a comfortable range?
•Is he or she using heating devices that could pose a fire risk or carbon monoxide poisoning risk?
Do a health risk assessment:
• Does he or she need medical attention?
• Does he or she depend on oxygen?
• Does he or she have the medications and medical supplies they need?
Check food supplies:
• Does he or she have an adequate food supply?
• Does the person have access to non-perishable food that can be prepared without electricity if need be?

• Is there access to clean drinking water?
Make sure they can get help if needed:
• Does he or she have someone identified to call for help if needed?
• Does he or she have access to a phone that works – even if the power goes out? Remember, cordless
phones and voice-over-IP service may not work during a power outage.
• If he or she has a cell phone, is it sufficiently charged?
See more tips for checking on friends at www.facebook.com/OhioDepartmentOfAging.