The likelihood that you and your family will recover from an emergency often depends on the planning and preparation done today. While each person’s abilities and needs are unique, every individual can take steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies. This guide outlines common sense measures older Americans can take to start preparing for emergencies before they happen.

Get a kit of emergency supplies. The first step is to consider how an emergency might affect your individual needs. Plan to make it on your own, for at least three days. It’s possible that you will not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. It is crucial that you think about what kinds of resources you use on a daily basis and what you might do if those resources are limited or not available.

Think first about the basics for survival – food, water, clean air and any life-sustaining items you require. Consider two 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, 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
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and batteries
• First aid kit & whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Local maps
• Pet food, extra water and supplies for your pet or service animal
• Cash
• Matches in a waterproof container

Include medications and medical supplies. If you take medicine or use a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need on hand to make it on your own for at least a week.

You should also keep a copy of your prescriptions as well as dosage or treatment information. If it is not possible on hand and talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what else you should do to prepare. If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up services within your area and the areas you might evacuate to. If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity to operate, talk to your health care provider about what you can do to prepare for its use during a power outage.

In addition, there may be other things specific to your personal needs that you should also have on hand. If you use eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, and oxygen, be sure you always have extras in your home. Also have copies of your medical insurance, Medicare and Medicaid cards readily available. Be informed about what might happen. It’s important to stay informed about what might happen and know what types of emergencies are likely to affect your region.

For more information about specific types of emergencies, visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY.

• The U.S. Department of Homeland Security in consultation with AARP, the American Red Cross and the National Organization on Disability.

Submitted Becky Smit,
Administrator
Westview Care Center