Winter safety for seniors in Buffalo and Western New York

Short answer: For older adults in Buffalo and Western New York, winter risk usually means falls on ice, heat or carbon monoxide problems, missed medications when roads close, and being alone during a storm. Line up snow removal, service the furnace, test CO alarms, keep medications and easy food on hand, and agree on who checks in. Erie County Aging and NY Connects can explain heating assistance such as HEAP; they do not replace a personal storm plan.

Last reviewed Oct 2026. General information, not medical, legal, or emergency advice. For a medical emergency or suspected carbon monoxide exposure, call 911.

Ice, falls and getting around

• Book snow and ice removal for the driveway and walks before the first storm, with a backup person if the plow is late
• Keep ice melt and a scoop by each door; do not ask an older adult to shovel heavy snow
• Add bright exterior lighting and check railings on outdoor steps
• Build a ride plan for appointments when roads are bad
• Watch National Weather Service Buffalo alerts

Heat, carbon monoxide and power

• Have the furnace serviced in the fall and keep vents clear of snow
• Test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms on every level
• Never run a generator, grill or car in a garage or near windows
• Plan for outages: flashlights, batteries, charged phone, blankets, and a warm place to go
• If someone relies on powered medical equipment, ask the utility and the equipment supplier about a backup plan
• National Grid outage map (Upstate NY): view outages

Medications, food and check-ins

• Keep at least a week of medications and easy food on hand during storm season
• Agree on who checks in during a storm and how (call, text, or visit)
• Post emergency contacts by the phone
• If your parent lives alone, revisit can my elderly parent live alone?

Heating help and local starting points

New York's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help eligible households with heating costs. Benefit amounts and open dates change by season, so check current details rather than relying on old figures:

• Erie County Aging — Utility information / HEAP (NY Connects line listed on that page for older adults)
• Erie County HEAP
• NYS Office for the Aging — HEAP overview
• MyBenefits.ny.gov to apply online
• NY Connects for long-term services and local program questions
• Erie County Department of Aging and the Niagara County Office for the Aging
• 211 WNY for community resource referrals

Town senior centers sometimes know about local volunteer or neighbor programs; ask your town office. We do not list private plow prices here.

Use with the full home safety checklist

This winter page is a seasonal add-on. For room-by-room fall and fire safety, use the home safety checklist for seniors and home safety planning.

Common questions

What is the biggest winter safety risk for seniors in Buffalo?

Falls on ice and snow are among the most common. Clear walkways, use ice melt, add railings and exterior lighting, and have a plan so your parent is not the one shoveling.

What is HEAP?

HEAP is New York's Home Energy Assistance Program. It can help eligible households with heating costs. Adults 60 and over in Erie County can ask the Department of Aging / NY Connects for help applying; younger households usually apply through the county HEAP office or MyBenefits.

Who should I call during a winter emergency?

For a medical emergency or suspected carbon monoxide exposure, call 911. For utility shutoffs or fuel emergencies, contact your utility and the county HEAP / DSS contacts. For non-emergency aging questions, call NY Connects.