Winter storms can often lead to: carbon monoxide poisoning related to power outages; hypothermia and frostbite; and mental health impacts.
Freezing temperatures and winter storms leave people with disabilities, older adults and those with chronic health conditions without power for lifesaving medical supplies and without the ability to charge Assistive Technologies or other power-dependent devices.
FEMA Region 6 has a population of over 40 million people across the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Of those, 13%, or just over 5.4 million people, have some form of a disability. Roughly 15% of the total population is over 65, which equates to about 5.8 million people over the age of 65.
People with disabilities, older adults and those with preexisting health conditions are especially vulnerable to the health impacts of power outages due to their reliance on electrically powered medical equipment such as ventilators, oxygen and power wheelchairs.
That’s why FEMA’s #WinterReady campaign is helping vulnerable populations be better prepared for winter weather. The agency is sharing general preparedness for everyone, but also highlighting specific actions and questions to ask if you or a friend, family member or neighbor needs to take specific steps to be ready this season. Find and share information on social media using #WinterReady and visit ready.gov/winter-ready.
General winter preparedness tips include: Have emergency contacts written down, programmed in a phone or placed somewhere readily available; Stock up on nonperishable foods; Make an emergency plan with a primary care physician to discuss prescription refills, treatments, oxygen and anything else that may be impacted by a winter storm; Create a plan for alternative sources of power;
Reach out to a local utility company to inquire about becoming listed as a lifesustaining equipment customer; and Questions to ask oneself when assessing needs.