Helping Seniors Stay Safe During An Emergency

During an emergency, seniors are far more vulnerable than other family members because of problems with mobility, remembering medications, and carrying necessary materials. When preparing your family’s emergency action plan, make sure to include your elderly relatives and neighbors. Don’t forget about those living in nursing, assisted living, or retirement homes.

Here are some tips from the American Red Cross on how to plan ahead and help seniors during an emergency:

• Organize a personal support network so there are several people who may be available to assist the senior in an emergency.
• Help prepare an emergency plan. Know the senior’s evacuation plan and where he or she plans to go in an emergency.
• Help prepare an emergency kit. Make sure it includes items relevant to the senior’s health, including, if appropriate, extra eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, and at least a week’s worth of any prescription medications.
• Exchange keys and learn where emergency supplies and medical documents are kept in the senior’s home.
• Agree on a communication plan for an emergency. Remember that telephones may not be working.
• In the event of an emergency, check on the senior as agreed to see if he or she needs assistance.

For more information, check out the American Red Cross.