A little pre-planning could save your life and the lives of those you love. Thinking about what you would do should a disaster occur can save you time, money, and worry. You won't be able to pre-plan for every situation; but, if you and your family members coordinate efforts and know, in general, what actions you will take should you get warning of a coming disaster, it will increase the likelihood that you will "weather the storm" safely.
The American Red Cross is in the disaster planning, assistance, and recovery business. They have helped countless individuals worldwide in the wake and aftermath of various types of disasters. They have advice for you. They suggest that you establish a Personal Emergency Plan. And, they tell you step-by-step how to do it. Go to the link below to follow their guidelines - put together with years of experience and caring.
The above link will also provide information from Homeland Security which now incorporates all national governmental disaster relief agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA.
When a disaster threatens, it may be hard to decide whether to go or whether to stay. Ask yourself these questions:
If You Decide to Stay
During the Emergency Watch Period:
During the Emergency Warning Period:
If you decide to leave, ask yourself these questions:
Do you know your route to this hotel?
Do you have plenty of gas to get there?
Make a "Disaster Suitcase" using a plastic container with a lid. Place in the "suitcase" the following items:
Note: Flashlights and batteries are much safer than candles and matches, due to the potential for gas leaks after a storm. Extreme caution should be used when using candles, matches, or anything with an open flame.
In a large waterproof bag add :
A large plastic bucket with tight lid will also be useful as will any camping gear that you already have. These items could be stored in the trunk of your car while you are in a shelter. They would be available if and when you needed them. For example, a screened area to sit outside might be useful in the aftermath of a storm. A small grill might be useful to heat water. Folding chairs would be useful if the shelter didn't have enough seating for everyone. And, for those people who have a battery operated radio or TV, that might help pass the time and keep you informed of relief efforts.
Adjust this list to the needs of your family.
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It would also be helpful to pack as much food and water as you can manage. The shelter will be prepared but you could also contribute - especially with snacks for the kids. See the section below for suggestions on non-perishable foods to take.
Additionally, a shelter for pets may not be set up when you need to leave for the "people" shelter. If that happens and you decide to take your pet with you, having a tent that could be secured might be a wonderful temporary shelter for your pet since pets are not allowed in many shelters. Be sure to pack water, food, medicine, a toy, a bed, a leash and any records of vaccinations for your pet.
It
will be important to plan so that you will be able to take
at least a week's worth of your prescription medications with you. This may
not be as easy as it sounds. Typically, medical insurance will pay
for only a one month supply. They have no exceptions for preparing
for a disaster event. So, how will you be able to "stockpile" extra prescription
medications? For those who can afford it, getting your physician
to write an extra prescription for which you pay with your own
money could be the answer. If that is not an option, we have some
additional
suggestions for you.
As you plan, be sure to consider the proper storage for your prescriptions and how to keep refrigerated medications safe. Think of any sterilized equipment you may need or any other considerations directly related to your medications. The more you think ahead, the better you will fare during a disaster event.
Remember to add your medications to your "Disaster Suitcase" just before the emergency strikes. Do not store extra prescription medications in the suitcase. Put them in a "Grab and Go" bag which can then be put in your Disaster Suitcase before leaving. Have prescriptions filled and stock up on any needed over-the-counter medications during a hurricane or other disaster watch so they will be useable and not expired. Check any stockpiled items for expiration at this time as well. Better to take the time to be safe than be sorry you didn't.
Medications (including over-the-counter) might include:
If it is not possible to purchase the above-needed items at one time, try to buy one extra item once a month throughout the year. Check the shelf-life of all purchases. A good time to do this is in the fall and spring when you adjust your clocks for daylight savings time, just as you check the battery in your smoke detector.
It is recommended that you keep the following items in good supply in your home. In an impending emergency or disaster situation, you would be able to quickly fill your Disaster Suitcase.
The following list of non-perishable foods can be eaten at room temperature with no cooking by those on a regular diet. Those on special diets need to plan accordingly. Be sure to pack a manual can opener and choose items that need no or little water and that have little or no salt (which makes you thirsty).
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Keep on hand:
| antacid aspirin or non-aspirin substitute bar soap battery operated radio, with batteries cash cough/cold/allergy medication denture products diarrhea medication disinfectant first aid kit flashlight and batteries hemorrhoid medication insect repellent insulin large and small trash bags and ties laxatives liquid detergent manual can opener paper towels plastic bucket with tight lid plastic eating utensils rubber gloves sanitary/incontinent supplies seasonal appropriate clothing sunblock or protective clothing and hat toilet paper tissue toothpaste, tooth brush wet wipes |
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Add to these lists to fit the needs of your family. If you are fortunate and do not have a disaster event within a year, rotate out the items and replace with new ones as appropriate. This is especially important for the food items and medications.
Caregivers provide a vital role in the lives of frail older family members. They offer assistance and support that no one else does. That goes for disaster planning as well. On our caregiver website, the Full Circle of Care Caregiver Website, we offer information specifically for caregivers related to planning for a disaster to keep an older frail family member safe.
Intertwining lives, Intertwining services
If the person you are caring for has Alzheimer's or dementia, there are a few additional considerations and a few possible preparations that you may want to make. The Alzheimer's Association has a fact sheet to help you.
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