Safety Tips to Prepare for the Cold Weather
Safety Tips to Prepare for the Cold Weather Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.
Your car also needs a cold-weather update. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends servicing the radiator and checking the antifreeze level and tire treads before heading out into freezing conditions. The agency also says to keep a , with items like a portable charger, blankets, food and water on hand. (Having a similar kit stocked at home is also a good idea.) If you're headed outdoors, be mindful of icy patches, which pose a fall risk, and strenuous activities, like , which put added strain on your heart in cold weather. Hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature, manifests differently in older adults, who may not shiver but instead exhibit signs like pale or ashy skin, or feelings of tiredness and confusion, according to the American Geriatrics Society. The CDC also recommends bringing pets indoors and being ready to check on friends and loved ones who may be in need. Don't forget to check on plans for air travel. More than 1,000 flight cancellations were reported as of Monday, with the number likely to grow as cold weather persists over the next several days. Editor's note: This article was originally published on November 12, 2019. It has been updated with the AARP Top Tips video. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS
How to Protect Yourself From Record-Breaking Cold
Arctic blast bringing freezing weather to much of U S
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. First, make sure that you are safe (and comfortable) inside. keeping the thermostat set between 68 and 70 degrees at minimum. Keeping your thermostat set to the same temperature day and night can also help prevent your pipes from freezing — which starts to become a concern around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Experts also say to be mindful when using warming aids like electric blankets, which can cause burns, and space heaters, which have been linked to house fires and cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. According to Chrissy Kistler, a geriatrician and physician at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, those who like to bundle up to stay warm should keep in mind that two to three thin layers of clothing are actually more effective than one thick layer. For expert tips to help feel your best, .Your car also needs a cold-weather update. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends servicing the radiator and checking the antifreeze level and tire treads before heading out into freezing conditions. The agency also says to keep a , with items like a portable charger, blankets, food and water on hand. (Having a similar kit stocked at home is also a good idea.) If you're headed outdoors, be mindful of icy patches, which pose a fall risk, and strenuous activities, like , which put added strain on your heart in cold weather. Hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature, manifests differently in older adults, who may not shiver but instead exhibit signs like pale or ashy skin, or feelings of tiredness and confusion, according to the American Geriatrics Society. The CDC also recommends bringing pets indoors and being ready to check on friends and loved ones who may be in need. Don't forget to check on plans for air travel. More than 1,000 flight cancellations were reported as of Monday, with the number likely to grow as cold weather persists over the next several days. Editor's note: This article was originally published on November 12, 2019. It has been updated with the AARP Top Tips video. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS