(LEX 18) — After a Laurel County woman died of hypothermia following a fall outside her home last week, officials want to remind people to check on the elderly during these cold temperatures.
Police say that 72-year-old Glynda Smith was found on her driveway last week. She apparently slipped on ice and wasn’t found until a driver saw her well after the fact. The coroner determined that she died of hypothermia.
With temperatures in the single digits and the wind chill below zero, danger can set in quickly.
“It doesn’t take a lot of time for hypothermia or frostbite to occur, so we’re asking to keep a close eye on the elderly,” said Cameron Minter with Community Action.
He said that it’s up to all of us to be proactive and look out for those who need it. He suggests checking in person or by phone before, during and after the big freeze.
“If something happens to someone who doesn’t have any family, they can suffer and actually die in these conditions,” he said.
Through Community Action, people can sign up ahead of time for heat and meal assistance. Every little bit helps, including a simple call or knock on the door to make sure all is well.
Minter said it’s also good to check to make sure pipes aren’t frozen and that the person is using safe heat, not heat from an electric stove.
