
The wildfires burning in Southern California recently have brought a stark reminder of how disaster can strike unexpectedly and unfold quickly.
Whether a senior lives in an area that is prone to flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or other potentially catastrophic events, it is wise to be as prepared as possible in advance in case evacuation or sheltering in place becomes necessary. Even harsh winter conditions can pose severe hazards for older people.
Wherever a senior may call ‘home,’ he or she must know what to do in the event of an emergency. Most Long Term Care facilities, such as skilled nursing or assisted living, are required by law to maintain emergency preparedness plans for their residents. If you’re a senior aging in place at home or you have an aging loved one, it’s important to create your own emergency preparedness plan.
Three Things to Do When Disaster Strikes
The American Red Cross advises older people to remember three key things to do in a disaster:
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- Stay Informed: Monitor the local news and sign up to receive emergency alerts for warnings and information.
- Stay or Go? Make a quick determination if it’s safer to stay at home or leave immediately. Consider who is available to provide support in either scenario.
- Ask for Help: Tell people what you need. For example, if you need help evacuating, identify who can help you and register with any available local government resources.
Before an emergency occurs, FEMA.gov recommends making a list of everything necessary to stay healthy, including contact information for doctors and pharmacies, a list of medications, and any medical devices. Make a contact sheet and inform the people on it where the list will be in case it’s needed.
Prepare a Go Bag
A ‘go bag’ is any bag packed in advance that can be quickly accessed in the event of an evacuation. If evacuation isn’t possible and you must shelter in place, the contents of the go bag can serve as an emergency kit. There are many great resources and checklists available, such as those at Ready.gov and the State Department, that detail what should be placed in a go bag or emergency kit.
Experts agree that the top three items to have in an emergency are nonperishable foods, water, and prescribed medications. At a minimum, you should store three days’ worth of these items, but if space permits, a quantity of up to two weeks’ worth is ideal. In addition to these basics, it’s wise to plan for backup power sources like batteries and chargers for devices and medical equipment.
You can also consider remembering what the Los Angeles Fire Department calls “The 6 P’s of a Quick Evacuation:”
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- People and pets
- Papers, phone numbers, and important documents
- Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses
- Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia
- Personal computers and important data saved on memory sticks and disks
- “Plastic” (credit/debit cards) and cash
Other useful items include a first aid kit, change of clothes, sturdy shoes, basic toiletries, blankets and pillows, and face masks.
Consider Wearable Devices
When disaster strikes and you need assistance, being able to summon emergency help is critical. Today’s medical alert devices, powered by smart technology and GPS capabilities, can immediately connect a senior with emergency responders. Wearables include pendants, smartwatches, wristbands, and belt clips.
Planning for Disaster Assistance
The American Red Cross says that it’s critical for senior citizens to build a support network of people who can step in when disaster strikes. In addition to family, friends, and neighbors, professional caregivers can serve a key role in making sure that older people have a plan in place and that the plan is communicated within the senior’s support network.
Before disaster strikes, enlisting homecare services can provide peace of mind that senior loved ones are cared for and protected. With a complimentary in-home consultation, Kadan Homecare can personalize a program to meet a loved one’s needs and discuss emergency preparedness. For more information, call 770-396-8997 or email info@kadan.org.