The Midwest and Great Lakes region presents some of the wildest winter weather. Lake effect snow and cold winds coming down from Canada bring cold temperatures,high winds and heavy snow. At Paul Davis Restoration of Western Michigan we want to take a few moments to talk about how you can help your family, friends and neighbors during the winter months.

1.       Prolonged power outages can be dangerous for families that are snowed in after a sub-zero blizzard. If you can’t pick up loved ones and bring them to a location that has heat, call to give them some helpful tips for preventing hypothermia. For example, they can wall off a small room with thick blankets to create an insulated space that is easier to keep warm.

2.       If you have older or mobility challenged relatives, they could be snowed in by even a minor snowstorm. Make sure they know you are coming by to dig them out so they don’t attempt it by themselves. Lay on some gentle guilt if that’s what it takes to keep them indoors until you arrive.

3.       Sometimes,all an unprepared friend needs to get out of a snowy spot is the right tool for the job. Make a deal that if your friend will cook you a hearty breakfast you’ll bring over your biggest shovel and get their walk cleared before the pancakes get cold.

4.       Do you have an older relative on a fixed income who is struggling to pay their heating bill? They could be in danger of hypothermia from having their heat cutoff while they are snowed in. Many municipalities offer emergency fuel assistance programs that can help keep the heat turned on during severe winter weather. Get online and start making phone calls to ensure that your loved one doesn’t go without.

5.       Are you an older person looking for ways to help younger friends and family? Young folk may be at a loss for how to make something edible out of the odds & ends in the pantry and fridge when a freak snowstorm hits. If you have a knack for cooking from back in the days when everyone knew how, walk them through some simple recipes over the phone.

6.       Maybe you are enjoying a balmy weekend in Florida when you find out on Facebook that relatives up north are snowed in. Spend sometime online chatting and suggesting ways for them to stay entertained (and how to keep the kids busy). Just don’t talk about how nice the weather is in your neck of the woods. They may un-friend you forever.