Winters in Maine are not for the faint of heart. The wind howls, the snow flies and suddenly, with only a couple of flickers as a warning, you find yourself sitting in the dark. While this can tax the steadiest of nerves, it can be particularly hard on the elderly.

There are some things you can do, however, to be prepared for the next nor’easter. With a little help from Bill Reed, emergency services director for the Red Cross, you’ll be ready for Old Man Winter to do his worst.

“The most important thing is to have a plan,” said Reed. “Being prepared is one of the best defenses. Don’t get caught off guard.”

Reed offered the following advice to help you stay safe:

. Be sure you have enough water, usually one gallon per person, per day, for a minimum of three days. The water should be stored in unbreakable containers that are easy for you to handle. Try to drink as much water as possible to fight dehydration.

. Keep your pantry stocked with nonperishable packaged or canned foods that do not require cooking. Be sure to have a manual can opener. Canned spaghetti, baked beans, tuna, powdered milk, crackers and peanut butter, and canned fruits and vegetables are good choices of foods to keep on hand. It wouldn’t hurt to have your favorite cookies on hand, as well. (Might as well make the best of it.)

. If you have pets, be sure to have plenty of nonperishable food for them as well.

. Keep a flashlight in every room so you don’t have to hunt for one in the dark. In fact, it would be wise to keep it next to you as the weather worsens, just in case. Battery-operated lanterns are available, and they throw off a fair amount of light. Always have extra batteries on hand. Check to make sure they are the right sizes for your flashlights, and that they have not expired.

. Batteries that have been stored in a drawer for a long time can be useless when really needed. Storing batteries in the freezer or refrigerator can increase shelf life. Also, if you wear a hearing aid, keep a supply of those batteries on hand, too. If you like to read, little battery operated lights that clip to your book would be very useful.

. In order to stay informed of storm conditions, be sure to have a good quality, battery powered radio. This could be your only link to the outside world for a while. At the risk of repeating myself, have extra batteries.

. During the extreme conditions of the Ice Storm of ’98, many Mainers bought generators. If you are considering such a purchase, remember that a generator needs to be installed by a professional such as a licensed electrician. Otherwise, the equipment can be a danger electrically to both the owner and to power company staff working on the lines. In addition, a generator that is not properly ventilated can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

. Check your medications to be sure you are not running low.

. Arrange for someone to check on you. Family or neighbors may have the ability to “dig out” faster than you can. Ask them to stop by as soon as possible after the storm. This plan will help ensure that, in case of an emergency, you will get help.

. Have a plan to signal the need for help. It could be something as simple as tying a red cloth on the door or in a window where it can be seen. Notify neighbors of your signal and ask them to watch for it.

. Post emergency numbers near every phone, not just next to your main line. They should be easy to find in an emergency.

. If you have home health care services, plan ahead with the agency on what procedures to follow in case of an emergency. Keep their number by the phone as well.

. If you use any medical equipment, such as oxygen, be sure to teach those who may come to your aid how to operate it.

. Keep extra blankets nearby in case you are without heat for a little while. Do not wait it out too long. If you have lost heat, it is best to call someone. This is extremely important. Hypothermia can set in very quickly, before you even realize it. Elderly people are particularly at risk. Symptoms include confusion and drowsiness, slurred speech, a drop in blood pressure, shallow breathing and a pinkish tinge to the skin. If you experience these symptoms, call 911.

. Check to make sure you have a list on your refrigerator naming all the medication you are talking, any allergies you may have, your doctor’s name and phone number, hospital preference and the name and phone number of who to contact in case of an emergency. Make sure this is current information.

“Sometimes, even if a person follows all the tips, they may need to evacuate,” said Reed. “That can be hard because Mainers typically like to think of themselves as very self-reliant. They want to tough it out. However, it takes more courage to be smart and make a decision for self-preservation than go it alone. That could prove very dangerous.”

The Red Cross has a 24-hour emergency line people can call if they need help – 941-2903.

“My best advice would be that if there is no heat, get out,” Reed said. “The true meaning of being self-reliant is taking care of yourself.”

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information about EAA, log onto www.eaaa.org or call Marilyn or Chuck at 941-2865.