Winter Weather Safety for Seniors

Last Updated September 24, 2026

Winter weather can be dangerous across Canada, and nearly all Canadians, no matter where they live, are likely to experience some type of severe winter weather during their lives.

Winter storms can bring moderate snow for a few hours or develop into blizzards with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. They may also bring dangerously low temperatures, strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

Seniors are more likely to need assistance, and sometimes monitoring, during the colder months. For seniors living alone, following safety tips for seniors living alone can help reduce some of the risks that come with winter weather. This winter weather safety for seniors information can help families recognize some of the risks that come with cold weather, including winter dehydration for seniors.

Understanding Hypothermia

Seniors often feel the cold more due to poor circulation and/or pre-existing respiratory conditions. There is one situation where exposure to cold can become deadly: hypothermia, which is a serious drop in core body temperature.

Fifty percent of hypothermia deaths occur in people over the age of 75. Even mildly cold temperatures can be dangerous.

Warning signs of hypothermia include:

Slowed breathing or heart rate
Cold skin that is pale or ashy
Feeling tired and weak
Problems walking
Shivering

Hypothermia can also make it harder for seniors to move around safely. Mobility assistance for seniors may be helpful when cold weather, icy walkways or weakness make getting around more difficult.

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature falls below 35° C and requires immediate medical attention. Anyone showing symptoms should be wrapped in a warm blanket that covers the body and head. Warm fluids may help, but caffeine and alcohol should be avoided because they can worsen the situation.

Protecting Against Frostbite

Frostbite is damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by extreme cold. It is the most common freezing injury.

Frostbite can occur when the skin and body tissues are exposed to cold temperatures for a long period of time. As part of cold weather advice for the elderly, it is important to know who may be more likely to develop frostbite.

You are more likely to develop frostbite if you:

Take medicines called beta-blockers
Have diabetes
Have poor blood supply to the legs
Smoke
Have Raynaud's phenomenon

Symptoms of Frostbite

Pins and needles feeling, followed by numbness
Hard, pale, and cold skin that has been exposed to the cold for too long
Aching, throbbing or lack of feeling in the affected area
Red and extremely painful skin and muscle as the area thaws

Very severe frostbite may cause:

Blisters
Gangrene (blackened, dead tissue)
Damage to tendons, muscles, nerves, and bone

Frostbite can affect any part of the body, but the hands, feet, nose, and ears are the places most susceptible.

Take the following steps if you think someone might have frostbite:

Shelter the person from the cold and move him or her to a warmer place. Remove any tight jewellery and wet clothes. Look for signs of hypothermia (lowered body temperature) and treat that condition first.
If medical help is not nearby, you may give the person rewarming first aid. Soak the affected areas in warm (never hot) water for 20 to 30 minutes. For ears, nose, and cheeks, apply warm cloths repeatedly. The recommended water temperature is 40° to 42° C. Keep circulating the water to aid the warming process. Severe burning pain, swelling, and colour changes may occur during warming.

Know the Terms for Cold Weather Advice for the Elderly

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify winter storm hazards. Understanding these terms is also part of cold weather advice for the elderly, particularly when a storm or period of extreme cold is approaching.

Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.
Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
Winter Weather Advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.
Winter Storm Watch: Monitor winter storms possibly in your area. Tune in with radio or television for more information.
Winter Storm Warning: A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.
Blizzard Warning: Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 56 km/h or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours.
Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected.

Preparing for Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Preparing for winter storms and extreme cold can help seniors stay safer and more comfortable when severe weather arrives. A little preparation ahead of time can make it easier to stay warm, limit travel and handle unexpected problems at home. Before winter sets in, focus on having the right supplies on hand and making sure the home is ready for colder temperatures.

Before Storms & Extreme Cold

Getting ready before a winter storm arrives can make it easier to stay warm, remain at home safely and avoid unnecessary travel. Make sure your emergency supplies are stocked and that everyone in the household knows what to do if a storm causes an interruption.

Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
- Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways.
- Sand to improve traction.
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
- Sufficient heating fuel - You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off.
- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
Make a Family Communications Plan
- Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know what you will do in case of an emergency.
Listen to a good emergency radio. It will include:
- AM (530-1710 kHz)
- FM 88-108 MHz
- TV VHF channels
- "Weather Alert".
Minimize travel
- If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather.

Winterize Your Home

Preparing the home for winter can help reduce problems caused by cold temperatures, snow and ice. Check your heating system, roof and other areas of the home before severe weather arrives.

Extend the life of your fuel supply.
- Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
Clear rain gutters.
- Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.
Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

Get Help With Winter Weather Safety for Seniors

Winter weather can make everyday tasks more difficult for older adults. If your loved one needs extra assistance or monitoring during the colder months, Senior Home Care by Angels can help with homecare services at home. Contact us to learn more about care options for your family.