Submitted by Always Best Care Denver South
An example of the emergency preparedness items you should have handy.
Whether it’s tornados, wildfires or floods helping older adults should be a priority. The recent events in Japan remind us how important it is to be prepared for natural disasters – especially for seniors. Seniors are amongst the most vulnerable populations in our country but they needn’t be. A few simple steps can ensure their disaster preparedness and safety.
“Some older adults have physical and other limitations which can make emergencies particularly difficult if families are unprepared to help a senior react quickly,” said Jerry Hulsizer, Owner Always Best Care Denver South. “When someone is upset or confused, already having a disaster plan in place allows them to do what needs to be done to take care of themselves. It’s much easier to remain calm when you know what to do.”
Consider this checklist:
• To go or to stay? When deciding to evacuate, older adults should go sooner rather than later. By waiting too long, they may be unable to leave if they require assistance.
• Make a plan. Schedule a family meeting to develop a plan of action. Include your key people (ie: neighbors, friends, relatives and professional caregivers) who could help.
• More than one way out. Develop at least two escape routes; one to evacuate home and one to evacuate the community. Often times neighborhood HOA’s can share effective routes out of the community.
• Meet up. Designate a place to meet relatives or key support network people outside the house, as well as a second location outside the neighborhood, such as a school or church. Practice the plan twice a year.
• Get up and “Go Kit.” Have an easy-to-carry backpack including three days of non-perishable food and water. Have at least one gallon of bottled water per person per day. Refresh and replace your supplies at least twice a year. And don’t forget the blanket and paper products such as toilet paper.
• Pack extras and copies. Have at least a one-month supply of medication on hand at all times. Make ready other important documents in a waterproof protector including copies of prescriptions, car title registration and driver’s license and insurance documents. Also take extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries. Label every piece of important equipment or personal item in case they are lost.
• Your contact list. Compile a contact list and include people on your support network such as well as doctors and other important health-care professionals.
This list isn’t exhaustive. However, it is a good start in preparing for an emergency. You never know when you will need this information, so keep it nearby. For further information on household emergency preparation, contact local emergency personnel or the American Red Cross.
To learn more, visit www.AlwaysBestCare.com/DenverSouth or call 303-953-8753
