Elders
Disaster Preparedness for the Elderly: A checklist
Elsewhere on this website you can find an overview of general disaster preparedness as it relates to persons who are elderly. Following is a checklist that elderly persons may use to enhance their disaster preparedness:
Use the following checklist to get started:
- 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.
- Consider special needs such as Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias, discussed elsewhere on this website.
- Consider special medical needs such as diabetes, oxygen-dependence, and lack of mobility, as they may relate to disaster preparedness.