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Section: Being Well

Storm Tips
By Toby Laping, PhD, CSW

The season has only just begun. If our October surprise was just a preview, keep the following in mind:

• If your phone is out, your medical alert button is probably out too.

• If you don’t have heat, don’t tough it out. Seniors are more susceptible to hypothermia than younger people.

• Keep bottled water, canned goods and a hand-operated can opener.

• If you depend upon part-time aides, know that they may not get to you. What is your back up plan?

• If you move to a shelter or a friend’s house, take your meds, insurance cards, doctor names, health info.

• When power is out, don’t risk eating foods that may have gone bad. If in any doubt, throw the food out.

• Have a cell phone for getting help.

• If you run power from someone else’s home into your house, be very aware of how likely one is to trip over temporary wiring.

• Don’t try to heat your home by using the oven — fumes could kill you.

• Stress and disruption can increase confusion.


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