August 13, 2018 | Advance Care Planning, Healthy lifestyles
Wildfires are spreading through much of the state of California, with some families facing the need to evacuate their homes. Regardless of your proximity to the fires, it is important to put together a proactive emergency preparedness plan. Not only will you be ready to keep yourself and your family safe, but you can also watch out for elderly clients and neighbors who might need assistance in an emergency situation.
Emergency Preparedness Tips to Follow
Since September is National Preparedness Month, we wanted to suggest few things that can be done in your home. Follow these tips so that you are ready if a wildfire or other emergency affects your area:
- San Diego Emergency Phone App: The city of San Diego has a free emergency app that can be used for notifications. You will receive text message notifications and instructions when there are emergency alerts in the area.
- Phone Charge: Communication is important in an emergency. You should always keep your cell phone charged and have the charger on hand.
- List of Essentials: Are there any essentials that need to be grabbed on your way out the door in the event of an evacuation? Have this list handy so that you don’t overlook anything critical like medications, medical equipment, and important papers.
- Evacuation Routes: What is the best way to escape the area? Have a map of the local evacuation routes. Knowing multiple paths out of the neighborhood can be important if the emergency is blocking your normal roads.
- Bring the Pets: Animals are a part of the family, so don’t forget to bring your dog or cat along. Be sure to have food as well as a crate or leash. Most of the emergency shelters in San Diego are pet-friendly.
Family Caregivers and Emergency Planning
While it is important to follow the general tips listed above, don’t overlook the importance of personalized preparedness when caring for someone with health challenges. It can be helpful to have copies of that person’s medication list and care plan, as well as enough medication to get through the critical hours of the emergency. The Alzheimer’s Association has prepared these helpful preparedness tips for caregivers of older adults with dementia. These suggestions can be used for people with other medical concerns as well.
If you need assistance in preparing for an emergency, such as wildfires or earthquakes, then Windward Life Care is here to help you find the right resources. Contact us to learn more about the services that are available.