Emergency Plan
Considerations for Seniors
Regardless of your
age or physical limitations, you still need to prepare yourself and your home
for a potential emergency situation. Be sure to review the other areas of the Before
The Storm section for general preparedness advice, and then note the information
below which is geared to our senior population.
- A few days supply of any medications you take, along with a copy of the
dosage instructions.
- Stored medications need to be handled correctly
and refreshed regularly
- It is not necessary to store an entire refill of medicines; a one-week
supply should be adequate in the event you are not able
to reach a pharmacy
- Extra
eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries (since charging
may not be an option; but keep in mind that your outside mobility
may also be limited), oxygen (if you use it), other items you use which
are "consumable" and which you would need a supply of should you be
cut off from support for a few days.
| Prepare
your personal resources |
- Post a list of relatives and medical professionals who should be contacted
if someone comes to your aid. Place this near the telephone, on the
refrigerator door, or in another conspicuous location
- If you have in-home health care service, talk with your provider about
the agency's procedures for support immediately before and after
a storm
- Plan to have any specialized equipment or assistive devices which you
use (or may need in the absence of professional assistance) available
and handy
- Consider any special transportation needs you may have, should you
need to evacuate your home
- Work with your neighbors to arrange for someone to check on you (when
safe) during an emergency situation. But DON'T depend upon this as
your only line of support - you must be able to be self-sufficient if you
intend to remain at home during a disaster.
- Teach those who may come to your aid (family, friends, neighbors) how
to operate any necessary equipment and how to render any specialized
help you may need.
The decision to evacuate is one that you must make as early
as possible. Local officials may order either Voluntary or Mandatory evacuations.
If your home is in a Mandatory evacuation area, then you need to leave
immediately, according to the instructions of local officials. If your
home is in the Voluntary evacuation area, then you need to decide if it
is safe for you to remain. If you have any doubts about your ability to
care for yourself for a period of several days without outside assistance,
then evacuate early.
- Coordinate with your home care provider for evacuation
procedures.
- Try to car pool if possible.
- Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.
- Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
- Lock your home.
- Use the travel routes specified or special assistance provided by local
officials. Don't take any short cuts, they may be unsafe.
- Notify shelter authorities of any need you may have. They will do their
best to accommodate you and make you comfortable.
- Remember
that shelters are designed to be a temporary, safe haven and
are not known for "plush" accommodations. You will need to bring with
you whatever personal supplies you might need.
| If
You Are Sure You Have Enough Time . . . |
- Shut off water, gas and electricity if instructed to do so and if you
know how. Gas must be turned back on by a professional.
- Let others know when you left and where you are going.
- Make arrangements for pets. Animals other than working animals may
not be allowed in public shelters.
Make sure you have a list with these numbers:
- Local emergency services number
- Ambulance
- Nearest relative
- Local contact
- Out of state contact
- Doctors
- Local Red Cross Chapter
- Insurance Agent
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