Four Tips for Wheelchair Users to Stay Warm and Safe This Winter

Winter can be a tough season in Tacoma. The cold temperatures, short days and inclement weather can intimidate even the bravest. While winter can be uncomfortable for everyone, it is particularly dangerous for wheelchair users. They can be left vulnerable to serious conditions as a result of the cold. Failing to prepare could result in hospitalization or even death from hypothermia, or sliding on an icy walkway for the handicapped. Not only is it crucial that you take the necessary precautions to stay safe, it’s also incredibly simple just with a bit of planning ahead of time.

Wheelchair users can easily stay warm and safe this winter by following these four tips:

• Plan ahead: Any wheelchair user knows planning is crucial, but it becomes even more important during the winter. You can’t just expect to easily travel on the sidewalk to get to an appointment downtown or to a friend’s house just a few miles away in chilly temperatures or high winds. Plan ahead of time by scheduling a ride with a wheelchair transportation service in Tacoma, WA. Both you and your loved ones will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you made it safely to your destination every time.
• Dress warmly: Some disabling conditions can drastically limit sensory abilities and reduce the ability to produce and maintain body heat independently. That’s why dressing warmly is so important in cold temperatures. Dressing in multiple layers will allow you to keep warm when needed, giving you the option to slip off a coat or mittens after entering a heated building. Additionally, it’s best to always be prepared with a hat and gloves, as a tremendous amount of heat can be lost through these extremities.
• Bundle up: Wrapping a warm blanket around your legs will effectively trap the body heat. Tuck it underneath your legs and around your sides for optimal warmth when using a wheelchair transportation service in Tacoma, WA.
• Ready your wheelchair: Wheelchair users depend on wheel traction to stay safe while moving. This can become much more of a challenge during the winter. Icy sidewalks can easily lead to skidding and serious injuries. One option is to swap out your normal tires for pneumatic tires or dirt bike tires for better traction. Make arrangements to have rock salt placed on your regularly used wheelchair ramps to avoid any unexpected sliding. Wipe down any metal surfaces, such as wheel rims, as soon as you get home to prevent rusting.

Taking these precautions can save your life during the cold winter months. One thing you should ever have to worry about is how to safely travel from one location to another. Let Around The Sound/TransPro, a professional wheelchair transportation service in Tacoma, WA, take care of you throughout the winter and the rest of the year. Our accommodating transportation is always ready to take you to a doctor’s appointment or to visit loved ones for the holidays. Our fleet includes well-maintained, heated and lift-equipped vehicles that are ready to meet your unique needs. Call us today to schedule a pickup!

Categorised in: Handicap Transportation

This post was written by Writer