Winter Safety Tips for People with Disabilities

Winter weather brings with it safety hazards for people with disabilities. Inaccessible walkways and freezing temperatures are two of the most common obstacles, but there are many other challenges that require careful planning and consideration.

1. Consider your wardrobe

Subzero temperatures, inches (or feet) of snow, and blasts of wind can lead to accidents, injury, and/or illness. When preparing your winter wardrobe, make sure you’re adding these pieces to your daily rotation:

Outerwear

Invest in a coat with a good hood on it. “If you can’t see well then you need to be able to listen at intersections and the like. Hoods are easier to flip on and off than hats. Also, make sure that your coat is suitable for the winter conditions specific to your location.

Footwear

Invest in snow boots with good tread and insulation to keep your feet warm and to prevent slipping. Wear Thermal Socks as necessary.

Gloves

Protect your hands with a good pair of gloves. Find warm gloves with thinner material at the fingertips – they’re intended for people who like to text, but they’re handy for those of us who can’t see well and need our sense of touch to find surfaces like keyholes, handles to the doors of cars, the buckle for your service dog’s harness, and so on..

2. Think of your wheelchair like your car

Think of your wheelchair like a car, especially in the winter season. This means making sure everything is tuned up, charged, and ready for the possible rough terrain ahead.

Have an emergency kit in case you become stuck in hazardous conditions. Some items to have on hand include a protein bar, bottled water, hand warmers, and kitty litter to use for traction.

Users should consider buying an all-weather poncho that is spacious enough to fit over you and your chair. These can be found at any camping supply store.

Wheelchair users may want to consider outfitting their wheelchairs with snow tires to prepare for the icy conditions.

3. Check your smoke alarms and CO2 detectors

Ensure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries and are in working order.

You’re more at risk for fires and carbon monoxide poisoning in the winter, so make sure you have a safety plan in place. If you’re burning candles or have a fireplace, make sure they are out before going to bed.

4. In case of emergency, have these plans in place:

Some areas of the country may expect strong snowstorms, which can cause power outages.

Be prepared for emergencies with these crucial tips:

• Have emergency contacts in place;
• Connect with others on social media to check in, or to broadcast that you need help;
• Stock up on perishable foods;
• Make an emergency plan with your primary care physician to discuss prescription refills, treatments, oxygen, and anything else that may be impacted by a winter storm;
• Have a backup power source;
• Reach out to your utility company to inquire about becoming listed as a life-sustaining equipment customer

5. Make staying warm a priority

While this may seem repetitive (see: tip #1), it is important to make sure you’re warm indoors and outdoors.

6. Make sure your dog is ready, too

Seeing Eye and service dogs need to be prepared for winter weather conditions to ensure their safety and comfort.

People with dogs should avoid driveways, roads, and sidewalks where salt has been used to melt