Seniors are often some of greatest victims when disaster strikes. But this should not always be the case. With a little preparation and practice, even seniors with physical limitations have the power to take charge during an emergency, and protect themselves and their loved ones. Here are six tips that all seniors can use to protect themselves in case of an emergency.
1. Learn to identify possible threats or emergencies. Many of the seniors who suffer the most during the course of
an emergency are those that find themselves "out of the loop." Make certain that you are familiar with the types of natural disasters that may strike in your area. Learn about fire safety, and what to do in case of extreme temperatures during the summer and winter months.
Seniors should be familiar with local and national media outlets that report oncoming storms or other types of natural disasters. Seniors who listen to the radio should consider purchasing a National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio. These radios report the earliest warnings for oncoming bad or extreme weather. Many NOAA weather radios also come equipped with an alarm that will alert you to possible weather threats. Also, seniors should be familiar with the Emergency Alert System on commercial radio and television stations.
2. Establish an emergency contact person. This is something everybody, and especially seniors, should do to prepare for an emergency.
Seniors are especially vulnerable if they live alone. Seniors who live alone should have at least two emergency contact persons. These individuals will be responsible for checking in on you if an emergency should arise. Local government officials and disaster relief workers may not be able to reach you immediately following an emergency, so make sure you establish at least two emergency contact individuals you can rely on in an emergency. If you require any special assistance, train your
emergency contacts as to how to operate any specific medical equipment you may use, or procedures you may require assistance with.
Also, try to keep in touch with your neighbors. Many times in an emergency, our neighbors are our only lifelines. Be aware of any neighbors that may require special help during an emergency.
If you have a home health care provider, speak with them and establish an emergency plan of action.
3. Keep emergency supplies on hand. If
you take medication, try to have enough of a supply to last you several days. Keep your supply of "emergency" medication in a ready-to-go container such as duffel bag or handbag. Prepare an emergency first aid kit and keep it in a cool dark location that is readily accessible to you in an emergency. Keep an emergency contact card in your kit with the numbers of your emergency contacts on it, as well as local police, fire, and hospital numbers. You should also make a list of all the medications
you take, dosages, and allergy information and keep a copy in your ready-to-go emergency pack.
Other items you may want to keep in your ready-to-go pack include: an extra pair of glasses, copy of your insurance cards, fresh supply of hearing-aid batteries, a small emergency blanket, an emergency supply of money and credit cards, personal hygiene supplies, and, if applicable, the number of your insurance agent.
Be sure to label all your medical equipment, including canes,
walkers, or wheelchairs.
4. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings. This is especially important if you have some kind of physical limitation. In case of fire, choose at least two routes for evacuating your room and building safely and as quickly as possible. If you live at home, get your family together to decide on your evacuation plan. If you live in a group home, ask about the emergency evacuation plan.
5. Guard your grandchildren's safely. With more than 3
million children estimated to be living with grandparents, it often falls to seniors to guard not only their safety, but the safety of their grandchildren as well. Speak to your grandchildren about home hazards. Store cleaning chemicals, matches, prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs in places they are not likely to access, or install childproof locks on your low cabinets. If you live with or are visited by very young children often, install plastic covers over electrical outlets.
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