Friday, May 23

Emergency Preparedness for Seniors

Nobody needs to be convinced that emergency preparedness is important; we walk our children through the steps, but what about everyone else? Given common restrictions in mobility or disabilities in older adults it can be especially important to consider what is necessary to do in the event of a disaster. We will be giving basic advice in this article, but remember the type of emergency you are likely to face depends on your area and you should plan accordingly.

First you should take normal disaster preparedness steps such as:

  • Plan with housemates/ family on where you would meet both directly outside of your house, and if you get evacuated.
  • Ensure you know how to turn of the gas and electricity to your home.
  • Store important medical records, and documents in a waterproof container, and put these with a grab-and-go bag (containing the suggested supplies listed bellow).
  • Learn about the emergency plans in locations where you spend a lot of time (volunteering, working, etc.).
  • Identify an out-of-town contact who you can call, or message with your location, and well-being (it's important that they're far enough away not to be involved in the disaster which ensures that they will be easier to contact).
  • Fill out an Emergency Contact Card and keeping in in your wallet.
  • Contact your Local Emergency Information Management Office to find out what sorts of emergency alerts go out (will you have access to one?), and what other resources they may offer (evacuation assistance, etc.).
    • If you will have trouble hearing about an emergency consider working within your county to set up an emergency phone tree.

Now consider your individual needs, this plan should account for your lowest level of functioning. We recommend that you track everything you use to live independently for a week then plan for having a weeks worth of as many of those supplies as possible in your kit.

Some questions to consider:

  • Do you need help grooming or dressing yourself?
  • How would water/ electricity being down effect your functioning? How will this effect any medical treatments you may be receiving (dialysis, etc.)?
  • Do you need special equipment to eat?
  • How can you cope with debris in your home/ along your exit route? If you can't what steps can you take so you don't have to (bolting bookcases to walls, etc.)?
  • Do you need special transportation?
  • Do you have a caregiver? How much do you need them? Would they be able to reach you? Would they come with you if you evacuated to a shelter?
  • Can you escape from your common buildings? Without auditory cues? Without an elevator? What if a ramp is knocked loose?
  • If you need to call for help how will you do it?
  • Will your hearing aids work if they're wet?
  • What does your service animal need?
  • What special needs would you have in a community shelter? Is there anywhere else you could go?
  • What steps can you take to mitigate these potential set backs?

Talk to your health care provider about plans, especially if your receiving regular treatments, cannot keep a weeks worth of medication on hand or your at home treatments require electricity.

If you are liable to panic or have important information to communicate to rescuers memorize phrases ahead of time.

If you have mobility issues be aware that there are devices (lightweight chairs or stretchers typically) that are designed to allow you to be more easily assisted down stairs. Consider how you can ensure something of the sort would be available to you (talk to manager, carry one, etc.).

If you have sensory impairments ensure you will be able to escape without typical cues, and that you will be alerted to the emergency (flashing lights on fire alarms, vibrating alerts, etc.).

In an emergency it's important to have a support network to check on you to ensure your safety in a timely manner. Ideally three individuals near each location where you spend your time (coworkers, roommates, friends, family, neighbors, personal attendants, church members). These individuals should be given keys, copies of emergency documents, and be shown where emergency supplies are. Make these relationships reciprocal, be a part of their support network and learn what you could do to provide life-saving aid to them too. You can try to make the creation and maintenance of this group fun by making going over plans and needs a social event. You could even consider organizing a preparedness event to make connections and form these relationships. You all should agree on a means of communication that does not rely on phones; this includes cell phones! In times of emergency areas can have cell service shut down. Instead think about means of communication like whistling, shouting, knocking or hanging a sheet in a window. And don't forget to tell your contacts when you go out of town, just in case. You should check in with all members of your emergency plan at least every 6 months to ensure that everybody remembers the plan and will be taken care of.

Pet Preparedness

If you have a pet you should plan for it as well, Red Cross does not allow pets (service animals are allowed) in disaster shelters so make sure you have a plan for your furry buddy (call hotels, and ask about no pet policies in the event of an emergency; check with friends; ask animal shelters/ veterinarians if they can shelter animals in an emergency). Don't forget to include a photo of the animal and its medical records in your waterproof document container.

Suggested emergency supplies

  • 3 days of food and water per person/ animal (manual can opener may be needed)
  • Medical equipment
  • Medications and information about them (dosage, frequency, doctor)
  • Emergency contact information
  • Important documents (including information on operating life saving devices)
  • Flashlight, radio, and first aid kit (extra batteries)
  • White cloth, whistle, or glow sticks
  • Dust mask or other filter
  • Plastic sheltering
  • Moist towelettes, hand sanitizer and garbage bags for sanitation
  • Money
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Blankets
  • Heavy gloves
  • Duct tape
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Extra supplies based on climate (more blankets, water, etc.)

Remember the best thing you can do for an emergency is to prepare ahead of time.


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