Frigid Weather Prep for Seniors Living in West Virginia
Frigid Weather Prep
Although a few weeks of the summer season officially remains, those of us who have lived long-term in central and northern West Virginia are quite aware how quickly the weather can change in the region.
And, while preparing for the coming months is easily accomplished by most folks in their 50’s, the tasks become increasingly difficult with each candle on the birthday cake.
For example, last year in September temperatures remained between 70-80 degrees until the final week, and then October remained mild. But then the month of November, temperatures were well below normal every single day, and in late December, the “Big Freeze” began and, for the most part, extended through January 2018.
Despite Mother Nature’s attempt to finally warm the Wheeling and Morgantown areas in February, rain, high winds, sleet, and snow were common sites and the Ohio River crested two feet above flood stage for residents of Wheeling Island residents on Feb. 18. March wasn’t much better, and in April the National Weather Service announced that the Wheeling and Morgantown areas had received more than eight inches above normal precipitation.
The month of May, in fact, proved to be the first month during which temperatures remained at least above 70 degrees. In contrast, though, during November 2016, the average temperature in the northern panhandle was 35 degrees and the average low was 21.
The arrival of winter-like weather, therefore, remains a mystery and that is why it’s a very good time of year to begin planning to secure your home and stock-up on household needs while the mercury remains at comfortable levels. As far as my parents are concerned, they may not realize that I am checking up on them by asking a few questions and examining my childhood home to be sure windows are secure, the eaves are intact, the garage doors are operational, the tread on their tires is adequate for slippery conditions, and that the cellar door is sealed as always.
A few questions I ask are:
- “Check the furnace yet, Dad?”
- “What day would you like our help taking down the awnings?”
- “Seen any good deals on sidewalk salt anywhere?”
- “Think Lowe’s will sell those packs of five furnace filters again?”
- “How often do you get the oil changed in your cars, Dad?”
And, to those five inquiries when posed the first time, my parents usually respond:
- No. 1 – Dad: “Still too warm for that.”
- No. 2 – Mom: “Before the wet leaves begin to fall.”
- No. 3 – Dad: “I’ll start checking next week, but if you see a good one, let me know.”
- No. 4 – Mom: “If not there, maybe at Sears.”
- No. 5 – Dad: “Let me think about when the last time was for each of them.”
This way I am confident I have them at least thinking about the approaching colder temperatures and what they need to do to remain mobile when need be, and the only reason I started undertaking this process is because my father did the same with his mother in Pittsburgh. During those visits, most of the same questions would be asked, and if they have delayed those annual steps – something that has not taken place before – I will initiate action by checking the furnace filter, purchasing some sidewalk salt, and setting a date for the awnings.
Also, emergency management agencies in each of West Virginia’s 55 counties are set to launch, “Preparedness Awareness” programs during the month of September, and the information will include extended weather forecasts, advice as far as vehicular travel, and details on organizations that supply public assistance for home care for senior citizens.
