Neighbor News
Emergency Preparedness for Seniors: 5 Ways to Be Ready
When storms and disasters hit, being prepared can save lives. Call At Home Personal Care for help: (703) 330-2323
Recent events across the nation have everyone thinking about how they can be better prepared for emergencies. If you have senior loved ones, sit down and create a plan together to make sure you and they are all safe and able to endure if disaster strikes. Here are 5 essentials to get ready:
1. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Everyone in the family should have a 72-hour kit that has enough water, food, flashlight, radio, extra batteries and other items that will make life better if you have to evacuate quickly. Put it in a container with wheels like carry-on suitcase. Ready.gov has a go-to list of items you should include.
Seniors should especially include updated medications or any other essentials they need. Update the kit every 6 months and check expiration dates.
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2. Create a Plan and a Network
Develop an emergency plan with a trusted network of family and friends so all of you know what to do in the event of an emergency and can check in on each other. Make sure family members know where your emergency supplies are and that they know how to use any special equipment you need to regulate medical conditions. Provide trusted family members with extra keys to your home. Carry a list of important phone numbers in your wallet and make sure one of them is an out-of-town contact person in case local phone lines are disrupted.
3. ID-Tag All Essentials
Put identification tags on your emergency kit, as well as any other supplies you need like walkers, canes or wheelchairs.
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4. Weather Prep
During your 6-month emergency kit update, make sure your kit has either hot or cold weather supplies, depending on what time of year it is.
5. Know Escape Routes and Shelter Locations
Make sure everyone in your network knows what your local escape routes are and where emergency shelters are located. If you have a medical condition requiring regular treatment, talk with your doctor and hospital about their emergency plans and procedures.
At Home Personal Care’s senior care team has an emergency plan in place for its clients. Call us today to discuss ways you can help your senior loved ones be safe in an emergency: (703) 330-2323.
