This frigid cold winter weather can be especially dangerous for older citizens and it is important to take necessary precautions.  Judi Van Hulzen of Marion County Public Health says there are many things elderly community members can do to prepare.  Van Hulzen states that it is important for everyone, regardless of age, to carry a cell phone with them at all times.  In addition, she encourages people to make sure everyone knows the phone number of their emergency contact.  It is also helpful to label this person with the letters I-C-E, for in case of emergency, in your cell phone contact list. Among the many precautions it is also important to make sure you are prepared with at least a two week supply of all medications and non-perishable food items in case of a power outage.  In addition the following preventative manners are also helpful:

Wear non-skid boots – yak trackers if possible.

Dress in layers.

Have heading systems checked early.

Keep a stock of items such as candles, warm blankets, bottled water and working flashlights.

Pre-arrange to have friends, family members or neighbors to check on the elderly regularly.

Identify and out-of-town contact to call in case it is too difficult to call someone in-town.

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