Preparing Disaster Preparedness Kits For The Elderly

By Janine Hughes


Disasters like floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, fires and earthquakes, among others have the potential of changing your life instantly. Others like bomb attacks, terrorism and chemical poisoning are man made and may happen anytime. While younger family members may manage to survive on minimal provisions, the elderly are very vulnerable. Disaster preparedness kits for the elderly are therefore slightly different.

There are crucial factors to consider when preparing an emergency kit for a family with elderly members. You need to identify the potential threat that exists in your environment. Think of a fire or a medical emergency if you live with a sick elder. Depending on your geographical location, prepare for earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods.

An emergency kit does not mean that you are absolutely safe. It helps to identify resource centers within your community and how disasters are announced. Some areas use TV stations, weather broadcasting stations, social media and radio stations to announce. There are procedures for evacuation and comprehensive plans for any emergency center. Know the signs of disaster and the action that is expected of you.

Escape plans are part of every emergency situation. When in a house, ensure that you identify at least two ways that can be used to escape. Conduct escape drills at least two times a year. Each family member must be assigned a responsibility during escape. A safe location should be identified where the family should meet away from the scene. Consider if your house is storied and purchase an escape ladder.

Responding to disasters requires effective communication. Identify the best communication mode to notify all members and coordinate escape. The method chosen should be least reliant on established networks since they also might be damaged.

Survival during the disaster depends on what you pack into the kit. Include non-perishable food items to last a few days. Consider your family size and include clean drinking water. Pack a flashlight, batteries and warm clothing. Matchboxes should be wrapped in waterproof packs.

Disasters are likely to displace you for a prolonged period of time. Photocopy identification documents alongside credit cards and other crucial documents. Include a whistle, a Swiss army knife and multipurpose tools. Pack some cash in notes and coins since financial systems might be affected. Special provisions like contact lens, medical prescription and batteries for hearing aids should go into the kit.

It is important to maintain your emergency kit if it is to serve its purpose. This includes replacing expired food items and ensuring that canned foods remain in a cool and dry place. Boxed food should be protected from invasion by pests and insects. Evaluate the content every year with the aim of updating depending on changing family size and needs.

Each family member should have an updated emergency contact and health card. It must be kept within the kit. It includes such information as medication, immunizations, blood group, allergies and any communication difficulty, among other personalized information.

Learn CPR and other first aid procedures alongside the use of automated external defibrillator. The needs of the elderly like wheelchair, personal care, blindness and hearing impairment must be considered. As you plan for your family, remember your pets and plan for them too.




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