When thinking about preparing for emergencies we think about the things we will need to take with us, who will come and where will we go. But often we forget to check that our elderly friends, family, and neighbours are also prepared.
There are a few considerations we need to be aware of when assisting our seniors to be emergency or evacuation ready.
Think first about the basics for survival – food, water, clean air and any life-sustaining items you require. It may be wise to consider putting together two separate kits. In one kit put everything you will need to stay where you are and make it on your own for a period of time. The other kit should be a lightweight, easy for you to carry, a smaller version you can take with you if you have to leave your home.
Recommended basic emergency supplies include:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and a can opener if kit contains canned food
- Medications that you may need
- Copies of important documents such as passport, driver licence, insurance etc.
- Hearing aids, glasses and other assistive living devices with additional batteries as required.
- Battery-powered or hand crank Radio with tone alert and extra batteries.
- Flashlight or Torch and extra batteries
- First aid kit with Whistle to signal for help.
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, alcohol-based handwash, and garbage bags for personal sanitation
- Tools to turn off utilities
- Local maps
- Clothing for 3 days plus a weatherproof jacket
- Emergency contact list
- A mobile phone and battery bank
- A small amount of cash eg $200 in case you need supplies
- Pet food, extra water and supplies for your pet or service anima
If you use electrical assistance devices such as CPAP talk to your health care provider about strategies during an electrical outage.
Talk to your friends, family and neighbours and ask them to be part of your emergency network. Have a plan for how you will communicate with your network and how often to ensure your safety.
Plan where you will go and how you will get there if you need to leave your home. Ensure your network know what will trigger you to leave.
Above all else it is important that you maintain your ability to self evacuate or have a plan of who will assist you if you need it.
Having an emergency plan provides piece of mind in situations that pose a risk to your safety.
