Severe weather can be a major problem for many people since it has an influence on one’s mood and mental health if not approached correctly. There are many things that one can do to avoid this. The most important is first identifying the fact that weather changes can have an impact on your health, and then the mistakes you should avoid when dealing with these weather changes. There are some practices which can increase the risk of mental and physical complications, as well as putting you at the risk of other ailments.
Some of the most common mistakes made during adverse weather for people in senior living communities include:
Running a Generator Indoors
When you move to a senior living community, you may end up having periods of blackouts during adverse weather. Some people try to get round this by running a generator indoors, since taking it outside could be impractical especially if you have rented an apartment. The apartment might not have a shelter for the generator, which means that the only way to get it running is by doing it indoors.
Without enough ventilation, the emissions from the generator may contain too much carbon monoxide, and this can lead to loss of consciousness. This gas is odorless and colorless, so you won’t be in a position to detect its presence rising within your living space. Always get help from team members if you plan on running a generator in case you are out of electricity, and they can help you do this safely. You can also choose to live in a community that has sufficient power backup so that you will be assured of power even if there is a blackout for several days.
Using Candles
Avoid using candles indoors, since they are a fire hazard. Putting the candles close to flammable materials is particularly dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Also avoid using them in an apartment that has a floor plan which provides you little space. This increases the risk of materials catching fire.
Using Phones When they are Plugged In
During adverse weather such as a storm, electrical devices may experience short circuits and other electrical anomalies when they are plugged in. when your phone is charging, leave it be until it’s fully charged before you can use it. Using it when plugged in could result in burns and electrocution, such as when the house is struck by lightning which is then conducted through the electrical conduits within the house including your phone’s cable.
Leaving the House When there is a Tornado Warning
House evacuation should not be done after a tornado warning has been issued. You will be much safer in the basement or the innermost room in your home. This ensures that you are safe even if part of the house collapses. If instead you are trying to drive your away during such weather conditions, driving may become very difficult, and you could get hurt in a road traffic accident. Wherever you choose to wait out the tornado, make sure you have supplies such as some snacks, water and a first aid kit comprising unexpired supplies.
