Cold weather, especially with temperatures in the single digits and lower, can pose significant risks for older adults. It’s essential to stay warm both indoors and outdoors. The Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management recommends wearing several layers of clothing, staying dry, and limiting time outdoors when possible. It’s equally important to ensure your home is properly heated and insulated to maintain a safe environment. Regular check-ins from family, friends, or neighbors can be invaluable in making sure you or your loved ones are comfortable and secure during these harsh conditions.
If you or someone you know is experiencing power or heating issues during this cold snap, several resources are available to help:
Warming Centers: Senior centers and recreation centers across Cuyahoga County serve as warming centers. These facilities provide a safe and warm environment. For a full list of locations and hours of operation, please visit the Interactive Warming Centers Map on their Extreme Winter Weather Resource Page.
Overnight Shelter: If you need overnight shelter, call 2-1-1 to be connected with available options in the area.
Cold Weather Tips and Safety Information: For additional tips on staying safe during extreme cold, including guidance on keeping homes warm and preventing cold-related health issues, visit our Extreme Cold Weather Resource Page.
The Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management works to prepare residents for winter storms and other local emergencies through its mass notification system, ReadyNotify. County residents are encouraged to sign up for this free service.
Register for Ready Notify: DSAS is available to assist older adults, caregivers and adults with disabilities in need of resources. There are programs and services to aid with winter utility bills, skilled in-home care and fall assessments. For more information call 216-42-6700, or visit dsas.cuyahogacounty.us.
