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Create an Emergency Network
Create an emergency network of family, neighbors, friends, professional caregivers, law enforcement, rescue
workers and other relatives to assist during an emergency. Discuss your plan and make sure everyone knows
their responsibilities and how to backup each other. Inform your employer that you may have to leave quickly
during emergency conditions to take care of an elderly or disabled family member.
Create An Evacuation Pack
Put together an evacuation pack. Have extra food, water and ice on hand. You will need a 3 day supply.
Stock up on canned goods, non-perishable food and, most importantly, bottled water
in case your loved one’s home is inaccessible to first responders, or stores are
closed or have empty shelves. Be sure to have at least two
flashlights and plenty of spare batteries to use should
there be a loss of power for a prolonged period of time.
If your elderly loved one must leave their residence, you
should be prepared to take care of their basic needs
for at least 72 hours. Do not assume that shelters have
supplies and equipment. They will need basic food,
water, medications and medical supplies (walker, hearing
aid, oxygen, prosthetics, etc.), a blanket, pillow, and air
mattress, personal hygiene items and extra clothing.
Some areas do provide special needs shelters for those
who are too sick for regular shelters but do not require
hospitalization. This would include those on electrically
powered equipment or those with severe respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Those with limited
abilities and mobility issues are candidates as well.
Refill All Prescriptions
Refill all necessary prescriptions and have portable versions of medical equipment. Be sure to have
an ample supply of all daily medications. These refills may save their lives, or buy enough time to find
treatment at a health care facility. Purchase a travel cold pack if you use insulin or other medications that
need to be kept cool. Have smaller or portable medical equipment available, like oxygen tanks, and be sure
a walker or wheelchair can be folded to fit inside a car. Consider backup power supplies for life supporting
medical equipment.
Home Preparation
Remove obstacles around the house that may slow a hasty evacuation or cause injury. There should be
two easily accessible exits. Install safety shutters or plywood to ensure no flying debris comes through
the windows. Remove loose outside items, such as potted plants and lawn furniture that may become
projectiles in high winds. If you own a swimming pool, this is an excellent place to store non-metallic
outdoor furniture until the storm passes. Be prepared for loss of power and water. If evacuating, unplug all
electrical devices and appliances. Damage can occur not only when the power goes out, but when it comes
back on. If you are not going to evacuate, fill your bathtub and any clean/sterile plastic containers with
water to provide you with a water reserve should the local water service be turned off.
Develop
a List of
Resources
Families with elderly
or disabled relatives
should arrange for a
professional or volunteer
caregiver to check on them in the event
of an emergency. Choose an agency with
experience who can assist. Seniors who
have assistance are more likely to remain
comfortable during a trying time.
• Primary and backup resources like local
emergency shelters, pharmacies and
dialysis centers.
• Plan multiple locations and routes (in
case roads are blocked) for evacuation,
and know where resources are available
in those locations.
• If evacuating, don’t delay! Delaying your
departure could leave you stranded as
roadways become gridlocked. During an
evacuation, families may be separated.
• Establish a meeting place. If a mandatory
evacuation is ordered, designate a
familiar location or family member’s
home as a meeting point.
• Family members should also be sure to
have an updated photo of their elderly
relative. The front of most telephone
directories includes information on
Emergency Operations Centers in your
community.
Emergency Info Package
An emergency information pack should
include basic medical information
(medications, drug allergies, medical
ailments, etc.), copies of prescriptions,
contact information for your family and
doctors, medical power of attorney or living
will, proof of insurance, Social Security
documents and identification.