Outdoor wheelchair lifts, often referred to as vertical platform lifts or porch lifts, are a vital resource for providing safe and accessible entry and exit points for homes, schools, churches, and various other buildings. However, the harsh winter weather can present significant challenges for these essential devices. In this blog post, Altamira Ltd. shares expert tips to ensure your wheelchair lift remains accessible and fully functional throughout the cold season.
The Challenge of Winter Weather
Although Altamira Ltd.’s outdoor wheelchair lifts are built with weather-resistant controls and specialized coatings to endure harsh conditions, significant snow accumulation and icy surfaces can still impede access. Winter weather, with its snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, particularly affects regions such as Southern New England, the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and the Rocky Mountains. To ensure your lift remains functional and safe during these colder months, follow these essential tips.
5 Tips to Winterize and Operate Your Wheelchair Lift
- Clear Snow, Sleet, and Ice: Regularly remove snow, sleet, and ice from the platform and entry ramp. Use a wire broom instead of a shovel to avoid scratching the lift’s paint.
- Maintain Pathways: Ensure pathways and areas around the lift at upper and lower landing levels are cleared of snow to facilitate safe entry and exit from your home.
- Use Ice Melt: Keep ice melt handy and apply it as needed to improve traction on the lift’s platform, porches, decks, and pathways leading to the lift.
- Schedule Annual Maintenance: Set up a planned maintenance visit before winter. This ensures your lift operates smoothly and safely throughout the season. Altamira Ltd. offers maintenance programs to keep your lift in top condition.
- Consider a Cold Weather Package: If you haven’t yet purchased a lift, consider an optional cold weather package that ensures proper functionality in sub-zero temperatures (down to -20 Fahrenheit).
If you need assistance with these tasks, don’t hesitate to ask a relative, friend, or neighbor for help.
Alternative Solutions for Winter Accessibility
If you don’t have a wheelchair lift and are seeking a safe and accessible way to navigate your home during winter, consider these alternatives:
- Platform Lift in the Garage: Installing a lift in the garage eliminates the need to clear snow and ice, providing a warmer environment for usage. This option is ideal if you have sufficient garage space and insulation.
- Build a Hoistway: Though more expensive due to construction costs, a hoistway prevents the need to clear the platform of winter precipitation. This is a suitable alternative if garage space is limited but you still want to avoid winter maintenance.
Contact Altamira Ltd.
For more information on winterizing your outdoor wheelchair lift or to schedule a free consultation with one of our local experts, contact Altamira Ltd. today at 1-800-343-1066. Our team is here to ensure your mobility solutions remain safe and accessible year-round.
