How Seniors Can Prepare for Natural Disasters

By Jamie Shapiro | July 7, 2016 | Comments Off on How Seniors Can Prepare for Natural Disasters

Elderly Care in Des Plaines IL

A natural disaster can occur with little to no warning. How it is handled can make all the difference between staying safe and having serious disaster-related injuries. Being prepared is even more important for older adults since they are often weaker and less agile as younger adults. During these situations, basic services may be turned off of the elder’s home, including gas, electricity, water, and phone services. By using these tips and having an elderly care provider available to assist your loved one with daily tasks, the senior will have a better chance of staying safe during natural disasters.

 

Create an Emergency Kit

When all services have been shut off, having an emergency kit readily available will keep all important items within reach for the elder. Items that should be included are:

  • Food
  • Water
  • A week’s worth of medication
  • Any necessary medical equipment, such as hearing aids, hearing aid batteries, eyeglasses, or mobility devices
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Personal hygiene and sanitation products, such as toilet paper and garbage bags
  • Copies of personal documents, including medical information, birth certificates, and insurance policies
  • Contact information for family and friends
  • Cell phone
  • Emergency blanket
  • A change of clothes
  • A whistle to attract attention if the elder is trapped
  • Extra set of keys
  • Pet supplies

 

Pack all of these items in a backpack or duffel bag and keep in one location in case disaster strikes. A bag that has wheels may be easier for seniors.

 

Create a Plan

Have a plan in place for your elderly loved one to follow in case they are faced with a natural disaster. Go over the plan frequently to ensure the elder will remember it in case it is ever needed. There are three parts to this plan that need to be included.

  1. Involve friends and family members. Decide who will check on your loved one after a natural disaster. Also, think about the mobility or physical issues that may make it difficult for the elder to stay safe during a disaster. Knowing this will allow you and the senior to create a plan that will cater to the elder’s limitations and disabilities. If the senior is being cared for by elder care professionals, include them in the plan so that they know what their role is.
  2. Communicate with family members. The list of phone numbers and cell phone in the emergency kit will come in handy during a natural disaster. The elder can call a loved one in order to let them know they are safe, but need help.
  3. Community disaster plans. Find out what evacuation procedures are available in the community. Older adults who do not drive will need to determine who will provide them with transportation during this time.

 

Be Prepared

In order to be completely prepared, elders should have a list of emergency phone numbers near their phone. They should also take their pets with them, but if they are getting shelter at a public shelter, animals may not be allowed. Also, if the elder uses a mobility device, like a walker or cane, these items should be placed in an easy-to-remember designated place.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Des Plaines, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

 

Source:

https://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4640086_Disaster_Preparedness_for_Srs-English.revised_7-09.pdf

Jamie Shapiro
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