Disaster Preparedness for Seniors

Your Disaster Checklist

• Assemble a disaster supplies kit.
• Arrange for someone to check on you.
• Plan and practice the best escape routes from your home.
• Plan for transportation if you need to evacuate to a Red Cross shelter.
• Find the safe places in your home for each type of emergency.
• Have a plan to signal the need for help.
• Post emergency phone numbers near the phone.
• If you have home health care service, plan ahead with your agency for emergency procedures.
• Teach those who may need to assist you in an emergency how to operate necessary equipment. Be sure they will be able to reach you.

Medical Emergency Supplies

For your safety and comfort, you need to have emergency supplies packed and ready in one place before disaster hits.

• You should assemble enough supplies to last for at least three days.
• Assemble the supplies you would need in an evacuation, both medical and general supplies.
• Store them in an easy-to-carry container, such as a backpack of duffel bag.
• Be sure your bag has an ID tag.
• Label any equipment, such as wheelchairs, canes or walkers, that you would need.

For Your Medical Needs

• First-aid kit
• Prescription medicines, list of medications including dosage, list of any allergies
• Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries
• Extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen
• List of the style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers
• Medical insurance and Medicare cards
• List of doctors and relatives or friends who should be notified if you are injured
• Any other items you may need

General Disaster Supplies

• Battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries for each
• Change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Extra set of keys
• Cash, credit cards, change for the pay phone
• Personal hygiene supplies
• Phone numbers of local and non-local relatives or friends
• Insurance agent's name and number
• Other items you want to include

It may not be necessary to evacuate, or you may be ordered to stay in your home. If this happens, you will need in addition to the above items:

• Water supply: one gallon per day per person. Remember, plan for at least 3 days. Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers that you are able to handle. Identify the storage date and replace every six months.
• Non-perishable food supply--including any special foods you require. Choose foods that are easy to store and carry, nutritious and ready-to-eat. Rotate them regularly. See section, "For More Information".
• Manual can opener you are able to use.
• Non-perishable food for any pets.

Reprinted with permission from American Red Cross Disaster Services.