It can help save your life

From tornadoes and floods to sweltering heat, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is there is always the potential for extreme weather to hit. Some of the dangers can be mitigated by having a prepared emergency kit and a practiced emergency drill, something especially important for seniors living alone. Having emergency preparation as seniors will boost confidence that if anything happens, you’ll be ready.  

Making a Difference

Nothing can ever truly prepare us for a disaster, but having a plan in place is essential. As many as 60% of Americans have not practiced what to do in emergency situations, according to FEMA. Having a plan and making sure everyone in the household knows what to do in case of an emergency, can help save lives when disaster strikes. Knowing what types of emergencies can occur in your area and how you will be alerted of them is an excellent place to start.

Having a Plan

Wireless alerts, the emergency broadcast system and NOAA radio are the three main ways to be alerted to a disaster, according to ready.gov. It is recommended that every household has a battery or crank-powered NOAA radio if power and wireless signals go out during the emergency. Once you know how you will find out about an emergency, it is time to form a plan.

It is crucial to formulate a plan based on your household’s specific needs. Emergency preparation as seniors might be different. For homes with aging seniors, or for seniors living alone, this plan should take into consideration special dietary needs, medication, pets or service animals, and disabilities that might exist. FEMA has recommendations for seniors that are a useful tool when planning for a disaster.

Daily Check-Ins Can Help

Using a daily check-in service like Iamfine is another way to let caregivers know a loved one is safe during times of emergency. Having a way to check in with family and having both a shelter and evacuation plan in place are key to preparing for an emergency.

Emergency Preparation as Seniors

• Some recommended emergency supplies include:
• A three day supply of water per person, one gallon per day
• Non-perishable food for three days, and a can opener for canned food
• Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA radio
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Wrench to turn off utilities