TIPS TO KEEP ELDERLY LOVED ONES SAFE DURING A NATURAL DISASTER
Keeping yourself, as a senior, safe and prepared before and during an emergency can invoke a panic; keeping an elderly loved one safe in an emergency can be an overwhelming responsibility. Whether it’s due to extreme weather conditions, a natural disaster, fire, extended power failures or something with other serious circumstances, there are many steps to take to provide as much comfort and safety as possible. Providing support for those in need is most important.
Providing a sense of comfort for elders during a crisis situation is often the best way we can be helpful. There is much we can’t control, but if people in charge stay calm and reassuring, it is the beginning of easing fears of elders. Here are several tips that we hope will be useful.
USEFUL TIPS PRIOR TO AND DURING EMERGENCIES:
PRIOR TO EMERGENCY:
- Create and then update an emergency and evacuation plan annually, including a list of phone numbers for local police dispatch, fire, ambulance services, any kind of emergency support possibly needed.
- Be sure to have a good contact list of all those who care about your loved one including cell numbers and e-mails. This list can be stored “as a group distribution” for quick communication if needed later.
- Determine the nearest exit(s), the best route to follow in advance of an emergency and a designated safe area for sheltering in place.
- Have an ice chest filled with water bottles and refrigerated medicines as well as a list of all medications and doctors contact information.
DURING AN EMERGENCY:
- Always walk to the nearest exit or designated area, do not run and do not use the elevators.
· Be sure to bring the list of have phone numbers of police dispatch, fire, ambulance services, etc.
· Bring the ice chest of water and refrigerated medicines as well as other vital medications and the list of medications and doctors.
· Just before a storm hits, fill a washing machine with ice and the items wanted to keep cold. The washing machine is designed for water so when the ice melts, it will automatically drain properly.
· Store pictures, documents and even dry goods in the dishwasher; turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. Putting the papers in a plastic bag adds to the protection. The dishwasher is designed to keep water in, therefore it will also keep water out in a flood. Nothing is 100 percent guaranteed so be sure to bring with the most important documents if evacuating.