HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Medical experts warn that as the body ages, the ability to maintain a constant internal temperature decreases. Here's why this is critical for the elderly:
Enable Madison County Executive Director, Ann Anderson says some senior citizens may be worried about high utility bills, but this week caregivers need to know just how serious this weather will be.
"This is very serious. It's not just pick up the phone and see how they're doing but go and check on them. Make sure that they're dressed in layers. Make them understand that they're going to have to not turn down the heat."
Anderson said another thing that is not encouraged is space heaters.
"Please do not give your loved one a space heater. They could trip over it. They could fall over. Any number of serious things can happen."
Furthermore, the biggest danger could be a fire. Thrive Alabama CEO, Mary Elizabeth Marr said it's also important to make sure homes have adequate ventilation. "I mean people do even when it gets very cold, even use their stove as a heater for the room and these can all be very dangerous situations."
Marr believes it's very important to watch out for friends and neighbors who could be in bad situations.
Anderson says if your elderly loved ones or neighbors need to go outside, put a stop to it.
"Because if they fall, if they fall, it's a trip to the hospital and it could be deadly if they break their hips."
If they are going somewhere for the holiday, it's important that someone picks them up.
" Please, I ask the family not to let them drive, but to pick them up, take them to the event, to the celebration. We don't want them to miss the holidays, but we don't want anything bad to happen to them either."
