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.
The content of your emergency kit determines how well you survive. The kit should include non-perishable foods for the entire family over several days. Include clean water depending on the size of your family. Carry a flashlight and its batteries, warm cloths and a lighter or matchbox in waterproof packaging.
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.
Your emergency kit must be maintained to make it useful when the need arises. Replace any food before it goes bad and keep all the canned foods in a cool and dry place. Boxed foods should be protected from pests and insects. Revisit your needs each year and update the kit depending on changes in family sizes and needs.
Write an emergency health and contact card for each family member and pack it within the kit. The information to be written includes immunizations, medication, blood type, allergies and communication difficulties, if any. Clearly indicate the name of family members and where possible include a photo.
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.
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.
The content of your emergency kit determines how well you survive. The kit should include non-perishable foods for the entire family over several days. Include clean water depending on the size of your family. Carry a flashlight and its batteries, warm cloths and a lighter or matchbox in waterproof packaging.
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.
Your emergency kit must be maintained to make it useful when the need arises. Replace any food before it goes bad and keep all the canned foods in a cool and dry place. Boxed foods should be protected from pests and insects. Revisit your needs each year and update the kit depending on changes in family sizes and needs.
Write an emergency health and contact card for each family member and pack it within the kit. The information to be written includes immunizations, medication, blood type, allergies and communication difficulties, if any. Clearly indicate the name of family members and where possible include a photo.
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.
