There are commonsense measures older Americans can take to start preparing for emergencies before they happen. As an example create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers as first responders to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment. If appropriate, discuss your needs with your employee.
Seniors should keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for service animals and any other items you might need. Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you require. Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration. Make arrangements for any assistance to get to a shelter.
It all starts with ordering an Emergency Preparedness Assessment through our service platform.
Emergency Preparedness Assessment For Seniors to Help Them Stay Safe During an Emergency or Disaster
An emergency or disaster can strike anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s a power outage or hurricane, fire, or an ice storm, lives can be in danger. But seniors are at a higher risk, and it can be interpreted by these statistics: almost 50% of the dead during Katrina Hurricane were older Americans and one-third of the fatalities after a heatwave in Chicago in 1995 were older adults. This makes emergency preparedness and response extremely crucial for seniors. If they can take a few simple steps to prepare themselves for a disaster, they can safeguard themselves and eliminate most of the hardships that a disaster brings.
How to Ensure Emergency Preparedness for Seniors?
It is worth noting that during an emergency or disaster, local officials and relief workers may not be able to reach seniors right away. Seniors may need to work closely with those in their support network, such as family members, neighbors, and friends, to stay safe and healthy. That said, the best course of action to deal with an emergency or disaster is to plan and prepare in advance.
Emergency preparedness for seniors starts with calling emergency management professionals to their home or place of residence. These professionals help them respond to an emergency or disaster quickly. Here’s how they help:
- They analyze your home and the neighbor carefully to create local plans for emergency alerts, evacuation, and shelter.
- They inform you about different types of disasters and emergencies that could happen in your community.
- They understand your physical, cognitive, and medical needs to know how you may respond to a disaster or emergency.
- They make arrangements for you so that you can stay safe during such times.
- They help you prepare an emergency kit that includes essential supplies such as food, extra batteries, water, first aid kit, medication, and many other items specific to your needs.
- They build a support network for you so that you can get assistance in the event of a disaster or emergency.
If you or your loved one is aging in place, help them meet an emergency or a disaster by requesting an emergency preparedness assessment through our service platform.
