Winter Care for Seniors

Courtesy of FEMA.gov

Winter is an especially important time to keep an eye on seniors to make sure they are living as safely as possible. In addition to cold weather, ice and snow, the winter season can bring health problems and injury to senior citizens. That’s why it’s important for relatives and friends to check in with their older adult family members, friends and neighbors. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

·       Falls are a concern for seniors. Putting road salt, cat litter or sand on sidewalks, steps and driveways will make these areas as slip-free as possible. Seniors should also wear boots with non-skid soles to make a fall less likely to occur. Older adults, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure should leave snow shoveling to others. 

·       Cold temperatures make senior citizens susceptible to hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature.  Older adults tend to produce less body heat than younger people and it’s hard for them to tell when the temperature is too low. Learn the warning signs of this weather related illness and how to prevent it.

·       Keep indoor temperatures no lower than 55 degrees. If going outdoors is necessary, dress in layers to stay warm. Wearing two or three thin layers of loose-fitting clothing is warmer than a single layer of thick clothing. 

It’s a good idea to check on elderly loved ones regularly or, if you live out of town, make arrangements for neighbors to check in and provide their number to call in an emergency. With your help, older adults can enjoy the winter months safely.

Boater Certification Class

Do you need your boater's card? The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office Marine Division, will begin hosting an Adventures in Boating certification course. Classes are open to any individual who needs to obtain a Washington State Boaters Education Card. Classes will run the 2nd Saturday of every month from 8am-4:30pm. The first class is scheduled for Feb 8th, 2014. Classes will be held at the Cowlitz County Search and Rescue Building, 1800 Western Lane in Kelso. The cost for the class is FREE.

To Register: Contact Deputy Jordan Spencer at 360-577-3092. Registration deadline is the 1st Saturday of the month. This one day class will certify you to operate a vessel in the state of Washington.

Reminder: All vessel operators age 59 and younger must have a Washington Boaters Education Card to operate a vessel in Washington State. For additional information and resources, check out www.boatered.org.

Prescription for Readiness

Courtesy of FEMA and Ready.gov:

In an emergency or natural disaster first responders may be overwhelmed trying to respond to an event.  In some instances you may be unable to reach a hospital or clinic. That’s why it’s important to keep medical records, supplies and prescriptions easily accessible and to learn simple first aid techniques.  Creating a “stay healthy” kit will help you keep up with urgent medical needs. The kit should include:  

·       A week’s supply of medicines in a plastic bag labeled with each family member’s name;

·       Place special tags on specialized equipment with operating instructions so someone unfamiliar with the item can provide help;

·       First aid supplies such as bandages, aspirin and antiseptic cream; and

·       A list of prescription medications, medical conditions and copies of medical insurance.

Use the household health information sheet in FEMA’s “Rx For Readiness” guide to fill in medical information for each family member. Make copies of the sheet to keep in your home, car and workplace.

If a natural disaster disrupts basic services like water, contagious diseases can spread.  Simple  preventive measures including using alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help you avoid getting or spreading germs.   

Who Knew THIS Could Cause a House Fire?

Blustery Times Ahead!

From Portland National Weather Service:

Wind advisory remains in effect from midnight tonight until 10 p.m. Saturday for our area.  South winds will increase tonight.  Expect south winds from 15-30 mph with gusts around 40-50 mph late tonight and again Saturday afternoon.

The wind should die down by Saturday evening.

 

 

Applications Open for Citizens' Police Academy!

The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office is currently accepting applications for the 2014 Citizens' Police Academy. The purpose of the Academy is to develop citizen awareness and understand the role of law enforcement in our community.

The Academy will be on Wednesday nights from 6pm to 9pm and will run from Feb 26th to April 30th. All interested applicants must fill out an application and will be subject to a criminal background check. Class size is limited to the first 30 qualified applicants.

The application and more information can be found on the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office website at: http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/index.aspx?nid=963.

The applications can also be picked up at the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office, located in the Hall of Justice at 312 S.W. 1st Ave. Kelso, Washington.

Applications must be turned in no later than Feb 12, 2014.

For additional information contact Dep. Jordan Spencer at the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office at 360-577-3092.