Spring is just around the corner, but winter is still here, and it can cause cold temperatures particularly at night and in the early morning. Cold weather often prompts seniors to want to use the heat to stay warm. This article covers ways to keep warm during these spells of cold weather, keep costs down, and staying safe at home
Things to Consider Before Turning on the Heat
Heating a home or apartment causes utility bills to rise. Before turning on the heat, make sure extra blankets, jackets, and sleeping bags are easily accessible in case the power goes out. Also consider wearing extra layers while at home to keep warm like socks, long underwear, and slippers. Putting a blanket on your legs while sitting also helps keep the chill away.
When you do turn off the heat, think about closing off rooms that aren’t in use and shutting doors around the area where the heat is being used to keep the heating bill as low as possible.
Safety Concerns
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a serious concern any time you are heating your home. It’s produced any time that wood, charcoal, gas, kerosene, or oil is burned, which means any appliances using these fuel sources should be properly maintained. Never use stove burners or the oven as a heat source because this can cause a risk of fires.
If you decide to use a space heater, use one that has an automatic-off switch and a non-glowing element. Keep it free from drapes and don’t put it on top of or near furniture. Only plug in one-heat producing element into an outlet at once. Maintain 3-feet of distance at all times between any type of heat source and anything that can burn.
Half of all heating fires happen during the period between December and February. For every 7 house fires in this period, one of them involves a heating element.
To help safeguard your loved one against winter heating risks in Orange County and Newport Beach, CA, consider hiring a caregiver to come check on them from Optimal Senior Care Solutions. A caregiver may be able to alert the family about potential heating and other safety hazards in the home. Reach out to our team today.
