Ohio is celebrating its 212th birthday with special events at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.
State Urges Checks On Older Adults Amid Cold
State officials urge Ohioans to check on older adults who may have more difficulty adjusting to the extremely cold temperatures expected across the state for the next several days.
The Ohio Department of Aging warns that older adults lose body heat more quickly than younger ones and are more susceptible to hypothermia, a potentially dangerous drop in body temperature that can lead to heart and respiratory system failure.
Officials encourage checking to ensure that older adults have adequate, working heating systems and whether they are using heating devices that could pose risks of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Those making the checks also should determine whether older adults have sufficient medical, food and water supplies. They also should have access to a phone that works, even if power goes out.