{"id":2752,"date":"2014-12-22T13:53:05","date_gmt":"2014-12-22T18:53:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.equipmentlink.org\/blog\/?p=2752"},"modified":"2014-12-22T13:53:05","modified_gmt":"2014-12-22T18:53:05","slug":"cold-weather-preparedness-122214","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.equipmentlink.org\/blog\/?p=2752","title":{"rendered":"Cold Weather Preparedness, 12\/22\/14"},"content":{"rendered":"

Venturing Outside in Winter Weather<\/strong><\/p>\n

Contributed by Provi Sharpe, Director of Emergency Management and Equipment Reuse, MDTAP<\/em><\/p>\n

When going out in this cold weather, take precautions.\u00a0 Wear multiple layers of clothing, scarf around your neck, winter hat, lined boots and two pairs of socks.<\/p>\n

Consider wearing thermal gloves underneath mittens. If possible, carry a cell phone. If you travel in a wheelchair, wrap a small blanket around your legs, tucking it underneath yourself or around your sides to maintain body heat.<\/p>\n

You may also want to consider using standard dirt bicycle tires on your wheelchair. Use table salt or clay cat litter to clear ramps.\u00a0 Rock salt can poison working assistance animals and also may be slippery. Shake debris and ice off your wheelchair tires before placing them in your vehicle. Wipe down any metal surfaces (wheelchair tire rims, walkers, etc.) as soon as possible after returning home to prevent rusting. Using a wheelchair in snow can be strenuous; heavy wheeling and the added exertion could lead to a stroke or heart attack, particularly if you\u2019re unaccustomed to it.<\/p>\n

Remember dogs can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite, too. Whether you use a working assistance dog or are taking a pet outdoors, consider a dog coat and boots for your dog\u2019s paws. Also, keep a blanket in your vehicle for your dog.<\/p>\n

Be sure to visit our Emergency Preparedness and AT<\/a> webpage for more safety tips.<\/p>\n

<\/div>