Storm Season - Be Prepared

05/06/2014

storm season

 

Storm Season Disaster Kit

 

Storm season – Are you prepared? As we recover from the cold harsh winter, we find ourselves facing an already active storm season. Heavy rains, flooding, power outages, hail, mud slides, tornadoes and it's only May. So with that said, its time to make sure you are prepared should a disaster hit your community. This is especially crucial for seniors and families who have special needs such as daily medications, mobility issues, ect.

 

 

Specialized Items for Seniors

 

 

Even if you or a loved one is in a senior housing community, being prepared can make a real difference in an emergency. So whether you are in your own home or a senior facility here are some tips that could save your life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers to aid you in an emergency.

     

    Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment and what medications you are taking and need to have.
  • Plan of Action

     

    After an emergency, it can be chaotic and hard to locate each other. Discuss a plan of action with your network of people. Decide on a place to meet after a disaster. It may even be beneficial to designate a person to call (out of the area) for everyone to check in. This will make it easier to locate each other and let family know where everyone is.
  • Emergency/Disaster Kit

     

    Prepare your emergency kit ahead of time and have it in an easy to access location. This can save you time and energy in an emergency. See the list below for items you should include in every kit.
  • Items to Add to Your Emergency Kit

     

    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.

 

For more information on preparation for seniors, visit Ready.gov.

 

 

Disaster Supplies Kit

 

 

Storm season is a great time to get your emergency kit ready. if you already have a kit, this is a good time to check and update your kit. A disaster supplies kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

 

 

Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them.

 

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days.

 

 

Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages. It is also a good idea to package your kit in something that is easy to carry such as a backpack.

 

 

Water, food, and clean air are important things to have if an emergency happens. Each family or individual's kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula. It should also be customized to include important family documents.

 

Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Water: 1 gallon of water per person per day (at least a 3-day supply)
  • Non-Perishable Food: (at least a 3-day supply)

     

    include paper towels, paper/plastic cups, plates and utensils, can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  • Battery-Powered Radio

     

    include a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert (if possible) and extra batteries
  • Flashlight and Extra Batteries
  • First Aid Kit

     

    include OTC medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen, stomach medicines (Tums, Rolaids, ect) and ointments for infection and allergic reactions (Neosporin, Benadryl Cream, Cortizone Cream). Also include emergency reference materials such as a first aid book or a print out of the information on www.ready.gov.
  • Prescription medications, and glasses/contacts
  • Whistle and/or Signal Flare to signal for help
  • Infant Formula & Diapers (if you have an infant)
  • Pet Supplies: Food & water for your pet, pet carrier or leash and any medications your pet may need
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Personal Hygiene Items: including moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation, and feminine supplies
  • Disinfectant: (Lysol or Clorax Wipes)
  • Items to Help Filter the Air: dust mask or cotton t-shirt for each person
  • Shelter Items: plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place or tent
  • Tools: Pocket knife or scissors and wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Clothing and Bedding: (especially important if you live in a cold weather climate)

     

    Kit should include 1-complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person & blanket
  • Cellphone: remember to pack chargers, inverter or solar charger

 

Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding these additional items that you may need. Additional items include:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Cash (including change) or Traveler's Checks
  • Important Family Documents: You may not have access to a computer or internet so it is important to have paper copies of documents, phone numbers, ect. With today's technology many of us rely on our phones and computers to access our information. We may not even memorize phone numbers anymore, so make sure you write down the phone numbers you may need including family & friends, doctors/medical providers, banks, credit card companies and anything other numbers you may need.  It is also a good idea to keep a copy of passwords in case you are unable to communicate and your loved one needs to access information. So remember to include copies of insurance policies, identification (including birth certificates & marriage certificates), bank account records, credit card information and phone numbers in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit for ideas of things you need to include.
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.

     

    Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
  • Complete Change of Clothing: include a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.

     

    Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate and rain gear.
  • Household Chlorine Bleach & Medicine Dropper: When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Paper & Pencil
  • Activities for Children: a favorite toy, books, games, puzzles or other entertainment

     

  • Local Maps & Evacuation Route Map

 

More information on how to prepare, visit: http://www.ready.gov/

 

 

 

 

 

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Alternatives for Seniors is a print and online directory that specifically caters to the housing and personal care concerns of senior citizens and their families since 1992. Call our senior specialists at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747) or visit the Alternatives for Seniors website to begin searching for the perfect home for you or your loved ones. Also, be sure to join our Facebook community and follow us on Twitter.