Most of Midwestern United States recently got through the first snowstorm of 2025. The storm inspired ACIL to dedicate this Community Corner to tips and tricks for surviving winter.
Consider your Wardrobe
As any grandmother will tell you, we lose most of our body heat through our heads. Like it or not, this makes a hat an important winter accessory. A coat with a hood is a good alternative to a hat if you struggle to keep a hat on your head or are a person with a visual impairment who needs to wear something on your head that can be quickly removed to ensure that you hear traffic signals. It is also a good idea to wear a scarf to cover your mouth and nose and protect your lungs from freezing air. While earmuffs are also helpful, keep in mind that they do not prevent heat from leaving your head.
We also lose a good deal of body heat through our hands, making a good pair of gloves a winter necessity. Consider thermal driving gloves with thinner material at the fingertips, which can help prevent slipping as you grip a wheelchair or walker. If opening your fingers is difficult, go with a pair of mittens instead. You can also put hand warmers in your pockets and touch them whenever your hands get cold. Some thermal glove or mitten options can be found here. Investing in snow boots with good tread and insulation to keep your feet warm and to prevent slipping is also a good idea. You may also consider buying cleats like these to attach to boots. Reviews say that they are cumbersome but can prevent slipping on ice. Dressing in layers is wise too. You can find some options for long johns to wear underneath your clothes here.
Make Sure Appliances & Alarms Are In Working Order
The risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning is higher in winter, so it is important to make sure to put fresh batteries in your fire alarms and CO detectors and test them to make sure they’re operating properly at the beginning of the season.
If you use a fireplace, wood stove, or gas appliances, carefully monitor their condition and functionality. They should also be correctly ventilated, inspected, and cleaned regularly to avoid accidental fires or the release of carbon monoxide. Be sure to keep at least one charged fire extinguisher near any heat source. Learn more about smoke detectors from the U.S. Fire Administration and carbon monoxide detectors at the National Safety Council
In Case of Emergency, Have a Plan
Most of the recommendations in the March 2024 Community Corner about Natural Disaster preparedness also applies to winter safety. It is important to create an emergency survival kit including water, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, batteries, OTC meds, clothes, copies of any important documents, food and other supplies needed for any pets, and anything else you use regularly.
If you take any prescription medications the Center for Disease Control (CDC) advises that you talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines. It is also recommended that you keep a list of your prescription medicines, information about your diagnosis, dosage, frequency, medical supply needs, and allergies in an emergency kit. Remember that you will also need to have a cooler or ice on hand for any medication that needs to be refrigerated.
Ready.gov also has a few recommendations for people with specific disabilities. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing should have extra hearing aid batteries, a pen and paper as well as a battery-operated lantern and a weather radio with flashing alerts in their emergency kits in case they encounter communication difficulties. Those who have low vision are advised to use Braille or large print labels when packing supplies and to have a spare of any communication devices they use to put in their emergency kits. Wheelchair users should consider keeping spare or extra equipment on hand along with an air pump and patch kit for wheelchair tires.
Whether expecting an emergency or not, wheelchair users should think of their wheelchairs like a car during winter. This means making sure everything is tuned up, charged, and ready for possible rough terrain by adding snow tires. Wheelchair snow tire options can be found here. Wheelchair users may also want to consider purchasing an all-weather poncho for the winter. Options for such ponchos can be found here.
Utilize Your Support Network
To keep social connections alive during the winter months, think about arranging regular virtual gatherings or participating in online clubs centered around shared interests like cooking or crafting. Engaging in activities such as virtual game nights, bake-offs, or movie watch parties can create fun experiences with friends and family. Here are some ideas to help you stay connected:
– Regular Virtual Meetups
Use platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams for weekly get-togethers.
– Online Clubs
Join book clubs or other interest groups to share your passions.
– Outdoor Activities
Plan walks, sledding trips, or community volunteering events. Remember to carry a first aid kit or make sure that there is one nearby.
–Sending Letters
A simple postcard or handwritten note can brighten someone’s day and help bridge distances.
– Surprise Gestures
Send thoughtful texts or small gifts for an unexpected connection.
The ACIL Staff hope that you do more than just survive this winter, we hope you can enjoy it while maintaining your physical and mental health. Please contact us at 937-341-5202 or [email protected] to let us know if there is anything that we can do to help you achieve or maintain your independence this season.