Disaster Preparedness for Senior Citizens
Senior Citizens can protect themselves and and cope with disaster by planning ahead. Knowing what to do is your best protection. First of all, it is a good idea to know which kinds of disasters are most common in your particular area. Preparing for a disaster that is likely to happen in your area will help you be prepared for any disaster. Here in Alabama, we are prone to severe weather storms, such as severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Having a Disaster Plan is absolutely necessary. Even if you have a physical limitation, you can still protect yourself by having a plan.
Staying aware of weather conditions is also very important. Listen to daily weather forecasts during tornado season. Tornadoes can occur any time of the year, at any time of the day. Most tornadoes develop during the peak two severe weather seasons: the spring months of March, April and May; and the fall months of November and early December. You should know your designated Emergency Alert System Stations.
It is also a good idea to have a disaster plan so that you can respond quickly and efficiently to an emergency. Plan and practice the best escape routes from your home. Post emergency phone numbers near the phone. Arrange to have a "contact" - someone who will call and check on you in the event of an emergency. Teach those who may need to assist you how to operate necessary equipment such as respirators. If necessary, plan on transportation if you need to evacuate to an American Red Cross shelter. If you require oxygen, check with your supplier about emergency plans. If you evacuate, remember to take medications with you, along with written instructions regarding your care. For those senior citizens living in a nursing home, or boarding home, the administrator should be contacted to learn about the disaster/evacuation plan for that facility.
For your safety and comfort, you need to have emergency supplies packed and ready in one place before the disaster hits. You should assemble enough supplies to last at least three days. Supplies should be stored in an easy to carry container, preferably a water resistant container.
General Emergency Supplies
Supplies for your Medical Needs
Going to a shelter may be necessary, especially if the disaster affects a large number of people and/or the emergency is expected to last several days. Senior Citizens can best cope with the conditions in a shelter by, again, having a well-thought-out plan. If you need to evacuate, take your Disaster Supplies Kit. and make sure to lock your door. Don't forget to notify of any special needs you may have. They will do their best to accommodate you and make you comfortable. And if you are sure you have enough time (in most cases, you will have enough time, if you stayed informed, let others know when you left and where you are going. If time permits, 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.
Pets
Remember your pet needs a disaster supply kit as well. If you are evacuated to an American Red Cross Shelter in Calhoun County, even though they do not accept pets in the shelter in most cases there will be an Animal Shelter located near the ARC shelter for your pet. The Animal Shelter will be provided by the Disaster Animal Welfare Group (DAWG).
Staying aware of weather conditions is also very important. Listen to daily weather forecasts during tornado season. Tornadoes can occur any time of the year, at any time of the day. Most tornadoes develop during the peak two severe weather seasons: the spring months of March, April and May; and the fall months of November and early December. You should know your designated Emergency Alert System Stations.
It is also a good idea to have a disaster plan so that you can respond quickly and efficiently to an emergency. Plan and practice the best escape routes from your home. Post emergency phone numbers near the phone. Arrange to have a "contact" - someone who will call and check on you in the event of an emergency. Teach those who may need to assist you how to operate necessary equipment such as respirators. If necessary, plan on transportation if you need to evacuate to an American Red Cross shelter. If you require oxygen, check with your supplier about emergency plans. If you evacuate, remember to take medications with you, along with written instructions regarding your care. For those senior citizens living in a nursing home, or boarding home, the administrator should be contacted to learn about the disaster/evacuation plan for that facility.
For your safety and comfort, you need to have emergency supplies packed and ready in one place before the disaster hits. You should assemble enough supplies to last at least three days. Supplies should be stored in an easy to carry container, preferably a water resistant container.
General Emergency Supplies
- Water supply - one gallon per person per day stored in sealed, unbreakable containers that are easy to handle. It is smart to identify the storage date and replace every six months.
- Non perishable food supply - including any special foods you may require.
- Battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries
- Change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes.
- Blanket or sleeping bag.
- Extra set of keys
- Cash, credit cards, and change for pay phones
- Personal hygiene supplies
- Phone numbers of local and non-local relatives or friends.
Supplies for your Medical Needs
- First Aid Kit
- Prescription medicines, list of medications including dosage, and a list of any allergies.
- Extra eye classes
- Extra hearing aid batteries
- List of style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers
Going to a shelter may be necessary, especially if the disaster affects a large number of people and/or the emergency is expected to last several days. Senior Citizens can best cope with the conditions in a shelter by, again, having a well-thought-out plan. If you need to evacuate, take your Disaster Supplies Kit. and make sure to lock your door. Don't forget to notify of any special needs you may have. They will do their best to accommodate you and make you comfortable. And if you are sure you have enough time (in most cases, you will have enough time, if you stayed informed, let others know when you left and where you are going. If time permits, 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.
Pets
Remember your pet needs a disaster supply kit as well. If you are evacuated to an American Red Cross Shelter in Calhoun County, even though they do not accept pets in the shelter in most cases there will be an Animal Shelter located near the ARC shelter for your pet. The Animal Shelter will be provided by the Disaster Animal Welfare Group (DAWG).