Knowing you are prepared and have thought through various issues will provide peace of mind when recovering from a disaster. Following are some tips that are especially relevant for older adults.
Develop a family emergency plan. The plan should contain contact information, Social Security numbers, medications, health conditions and health insurance information.
Create a support network of family, friends, neighbors, doctors, organizations or places where you worship. Make sure the people in your network know what your needs are in case of a disaster and are aware of which medicines you take and any physical limitations you may have.
Learn how to text on a cell phone or other mobile device. If phone lines are jammed and landline and cellphone calls are not possible after a disaster, texting gives you another option.
Prepare an emergency kit. If you’ve been following along with this column, you are just weeks away from having a completed kit. If you’ve missed a week or two, visit the City’s website to view the “21 Weeks to Prepare” checklist. Don’t forget to include medicines, extra glasses, hearing aids and batteries.
Plan for mobility. If you are in a wheelchair or have mobility problems, plan how you will evacuate and discuss the plan with your care providers. If you use a motorized wheelchair, have a manual wheelchair as a backup.
If you are hearing-impaired, keep extra batteries for hearing aids with emergency supplies. Store hearing aids in a container attached to your nightstand or bedpost, so they can be located quickly after a disaster.
If you are blind or visually impaired, keep an extra cane by the bed and attach a whistle to it to help others locate you in case of an emergency.
As a community, older adults have unique needs, and no one understands that better than other older adults. You have a lot to contribute and share. Learn about each other’s needs and how to help each other in an emergency. You might take responsibility for food supplies and preparation, organizing neighborhood watch meetings and interpreting, among other things.
Here is your 21 Weeks to Prepare shopping list for Weeks 17 and 18
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