June 6, 2024 | Senior living
Emergencies can strike without warning, and being prepared can make all the difference – especially for seniors. For seniors, natural or human-caused emergencies can be more dangerous than for other adults. Nearly 85% of older Americans live with at least one chronic disease and may need specific medications, treatments, and diets. These added challenges in day-to-day life can be overwhelming during a crisis.
- Mobility issues can make moving to a safer location quickly difficult.
- Transportation constraints can limit options for individuals who depend on equipment such as wheelchairs or oxygen.
- Medications can be difficult to get during an emergency.
- Cognitive challenges, like dementia, can affect decision-making in high-stress situations.
Being prepared for an emergency is more than having canned food and bottled water; it means knowing your own unique requirements for survival.
So, what can seniors do to ensure they are ready? Here are five actions to take.
1. Create a personal support network.
One of the most important steps in emergency preparedness is building a reliable support network. This network can be family members, friends, neighbors, and caregivers who can assist during an emergency. Make sure your network is familiar with your needs, knows how to contact each other, and understands your emergency plan.
- Find at least 3 people who will check in on you and decide how they will do so (phone, in person, etc.).
- Have a list of contacts with your phone and in your emergency supply kit (below).
In a disaster, quick access to help can be lifesaving and having a personal network significantly increases the chances of staying safe during an emergency.
2. Prepare an emergency supply kit.
An emergency supply kit is critical. Keep it easily accessible and update it regularly. Include essentials such as nonperishable food, water, medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. A complete list of items can be found at Ready.gov.
- Figure at least 3 days’ worth of medications. Don’t forget vendor information for any supplies such as oxygen. Having an ID band with your name, important contact numbers and allergies is also a good idea.
- For important documents, make sure physical copies are in a waterproof container and take photos of each as backup.
In case of an evacuation or prolonged power outage, having enough medical supplies on hand ensures you can manage independently until you return home or help arrives.
3. Know your evacuation routes.
In worst-case scenarios, getting out may be the best hope of survival. Make a plan, and practice it. Know several ways to leave your home as well as several evacuation routes out of your neighborhood or city. It’s also good to have an idea of where shelters may be set up so you can go there if needed.
- Keep maps handy with multiple routes in easy-to-find places. If you have a car, store one in the glovebox.
- Practice getting out of your house and your community at least twice per year. Involve your support network to ensure everyone knows where to go and how to get there.
During emergencies like wildfires or earthquakes, swift evacuation can be crucial. The County of San Diego provides local resources including an SD Emergency mobile app with early earthquake warning system as well as a tsunami evacuation map.
4. Plan for pets.
If you have pets, make an emergency preparedness plan for them as well. Pets need an emergency kit too; it should include food, water, and medications, as well as a leash or carrier and comfort items. Learn about pet-friendly shelters or hotels in advance and add them to your evacuation plans.
- Have copies of your pet’s registration information, vaccination history and other relevant documents available in a waterproof container or electronically.
- Microchip your pet and carry a picture of you and your pet together to document ownership or to find them if they get lost.
5. Stay informed.
Learn the types of emergencies most likely to happen in your area. Know what to do for those emergencies. When traveling, learn about potential emergencies that may happen there and how to protect yourself. Getting the most up-to-date information is crucial during an emergency. Register your cellphone with the County of San Diego to receive emergency alerts.
- In San Diego County, dial 2-1-1 for evacuation and emergency info.
- Tune in to radio stations KOGO 600AM, KLSD 1360AM, and KPBS 89.5FM.
- Monitor NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio online. Find your location on this map.
- Watch local and national TV broadcasts.
- Invest in a hand-crank radio that doesn’t require batteries or electricity to work. Consider having backup power sources, such as portable chargers for electronic devices and battery-operated radios.
The Windward team can help clients create a personalized emergency plan, build an emergency supply kit, and ensure they have the necessary resources and support. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you stay safe and prepared.
###