ZELIENOPLE — Despite warmer-than-average temperatures so far, Old Man Winter has wreaked havoc in other parts of the country.

In the Rocky Mountains and Plains states, feet of snow and ice have knocked out power to residents and left drivers stranded — weather that has so far spared Western Pennsylvania.

But it's that type of weather that Scott Reeseman thinks seniors across Butler County should prepare for during winter months.

Reeseman, a major in the 2nd Brigade, 28th Infantry Division with the Pennsylvania National Guard, is leading emergency preparedness programs at senior centers in Butler County this month to make sure elderly residents are ready for such scenarios.

The programs, sponsored by the Butler County Area Agency on Aging, where Reeseman is employed, offers seniors advice and a pamphlet of tips to prepare them for adverse conditions.

At the Zelienople Senior Center last week, Reeseman told seniors the best way to handle a winter storm is through preparations.

He said seniors — especially those who live in the community and not at residential facilities — should take steps that include storing supplies, like water and extra medication, during winter.

He said storing at least two gallons of water per person per day is important to avoid dehydration.

Planning for at least three days, Reeseman said seniors should store the water in well-washed soda or milk bottles, replacing them monthly to avoid a buildup of bacteria.

He said seniors also need to prepare for loss of electricity, which makes cooking and keeping warm impossible.

"There are a lot of things electricity does that we take for granted,"he said.

The ability to cook, stay warm and even contact family is often lost with a power outage, he said.

To prepare, Reeseman said seniors should have a relocation plan set up with friends or family in case electricity —and heat — is lost.

"Whether it be to a friend's house for a few days (or elsewhere), you need to think this through,"he said.

He also suggested keeping a manual can opener or buying cans with pull-top lids for stored food.

A supply of batteries is also important, Reeseman said, to provide backup electricity for radios and lights.

While Reeseman says most of his tips are obvious, he said preparation is key.

Reeseman also suggests thinking of friends and neighbors during storms.

"Take care of each other,"he said.

Other programs across the county are scheduled for:

• 11:30 a.m. Friday, North Central Senior Center, 215 E. Church St., West Sunbury

• 10:30 a.m. Jan. 23, Slippery Rock Senior Center, 155 Branchton Road, Slippery Rock

• 10:30 a.m. Jan. 23, Chicora Senior Center, Moose Lodge Hall Basement, West Slippery Rock Street, Chicora

• 11:30 a.m. Jan. 23, Bruin Senior Center, United Methodist Church, Main Street

• 11 a.m. Jan. 25, Cranberry Senior Center, Cranberry Township. Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Road

• 12:30 p.m. Jan. 25, Mars Senior Center, Gilkey Drive

• 11:30 a.m. Jan. 29, Mount Chestnut Senior Center, Mount Chestnut Presbyterian Church 727 West Old Route 422.