Winter Emergency Planning and Risk Management for Epilepsy Care

Winter brings unique challenges for care providers and families supporting people with epilepsy. Cold weather, shorter days and seasonal illnesses all increase pressure on health and social care settings. But it’s not only about comfort — adverse weather and environmental hazards can create genuine risks for continuity of care and emergency response.

From icy pavements to power cuts, it’s vital that care teams prepare for potential disruptions and keep safety front of mind. This guide explores how to develop and implement effective winter emergency plans that protect people living with epilepsy.

Why winter preparedness matters

The colder months often bring a combination of factors that can heighten risk:

• Travel disruption from snow or ice delaying carers or staff changes
  
• Power cuts affecting heating, lighting or medical equipment
  
• Illness and staff shortages due to seasonal infections
  
• Slips and falls linked to icy conditions
  
• Isolation during adverse weather leading to missed check-ins or medication
  

A well-structured plan ensures that even when conditions become unpredictable, care remains consistent and safe.

Key elements of a winter emergency plan

1. Communication protocols

Establish clear lines of communication between care teams, family members and emergency contacts. Everyone involved should know:

• Who to contact if staff can’t reach a person due to weather
  
• Backup carers available nearby
  
• How to reach medical professionals or on-call managers quickly
  

Having an updated contact list (including out-of-hours numbers) is essential before winter begins.

2. Medication continuity

Missed medication is one of the most preventable seizure triggers. To safeguard against delays or closures:

• Keep at least a two-week buffer of essential anti-seizure medications (ASMs)
  
• Check pharmacies’ winter opening hours
  
• Store medication correctly – away from cold, damp or heat sources
  
• Ensure travel or outreach carers carry spare doses securely
  

If deliveries are disrupted, local authorities or NHS community pharmacists can often arrange emergency supplies.

3. Power and heating disruptions

Cold homes can affect health and wellbeing, while power cuts may interfere with seizure monitoring or electronic aids.
To prepare:

• Keep a supply of torches and batteries — avoid candles where possible
  
• Ensure any medical devices (such as alarms or monitors) have backup batteries
  
• Know the process for reporting vulnerable individuals to the local power network for priority reconnection
  
• Have extra blankets and warm layers available if heating fails
  

Training staff to respond calmly during outages helps maintain safety and reassurance.

Risk management for outdoor hazards

Icy paths and falls

Falls are dangerous for anyone, but especially for someone prone to seizures. A seizure triggered by a fall on ice can lead to serious injury. To reduce risk:

• Salt or grit entrances, driveways and outdoor areas regularly
  
• Encourage supportive footwear with good grip
  
• Schedule outdoor activities or appointments later in the day when ice has thawed
  
• Accompany individuals where possible, particularly if seizure frequency is high
  

Care staff should also complete dynamic risk assessments before travel or outdoor work, factoring in local weather alerts.

Travel and transport

Snow and ice can make routine travel unpredictable.

• Plan routes in advance and build in extra travel time
  
• Carry charged phones and emergency contact details
  
• Avoid unnecessary journeys during severe weather warnings
  
• For community staff, keep basic emergency supplies in vehicles (blanket, water, high-visibility gear, scraper, de-icer)
  

Where travel becomes impossible, have a contingency plan for remote welfare checks or nearby backup carers.

Health and illness considerations

Seasonal infections

Flu, COVID-19 and respiratory illnesses can impact both service users and staff.

• Promote vaccination where appropriate
  
• Reinforce hygiene protocols and infection control
  
• Ensure replacement staff are fully briefed on individuals’ seizure care plans
  

Even mild illness can alter medication absorption or sleep patterns, so monitoring changes in wellbeing is crucial.

Temperature regulation

For individuals sensitive to temperature changes, sudden drops in warmth can act as a stressor.

• Maintain indoor heating between 18–21°C
  
• Avoid prolonged exposure to cold outdoor air
  
• Encourage hydration even when not feeling thirsty
  

Training and review

Emergency preparedness works best when everyone is confident in their role. Regular winter training should include:

• Refreshing seizure response and emergency first aid
  
• Reviewing evacuation procedures in case of power loss
  
• Understanding how environmental factors (cold, fatigue, illness) influence seizure activity
  
• Practising communication drills for severe weather events
  

Training sessions before and during winter ensure that staff stay competent and calm under pressure.

Final checks for care teams

Before winter begins, complete a seasonal safety checklist:

• Updated care and emergency contact plans
  
• Medication stock verified and stored correctly
  
• Backup carers and communication plans confirmed
  
• Risk assessments reviewed (slips, travel, power, infection)
  
• Staff trained and briefed on winter procedures
  

Conclusion

A well-planned winter strategy isn’t just about dealing with the unexpected — it’s about preventing problems before they happen. For people living with epilepsy, consistent care and quick responses are crucial, even when the weather works against us.

With proper planning, risk management and training, carers and support teams can keep individuals safe, warm and supported throughout the coldest months of the year.

To arrange bespoke epilepsy awareness or emergency response training for your team, contact National Epilepsy Training.