Preparedness for Seniors and People with Disabilities
People who face mobility, health or age-related challenges may need to make additional considerations when preparing for an emergency. Having
a plan in place will help alleviate anxiety, confusion and feelings of vulnerability in the event of an approaching storm, heat wave or other emergency.
Establish a personal support network
This can consist of friends, relatives, personal attendants, co-workers, neighbors, classmates and roommates. Make arrangements for your
support network to assist you well before a forecasted emergency (such as a hurricane or nor'easter) occurs. Do not depend on any one person.
Work out support relationships with several people.
The people in your network should learn about your personal needs and how to help in an emergency.
• Exchange important keys and show where you keep emergency supplies.
• Share copies of your emergency documents and evacuation plans.
• Know how to contact members of your support network in an emergency (or have them contact you). Do not count on the telephones working.
• Be aware of the travel plans of people in your network; you should always know who is available to assist you, and who is not.
If you employ a personal attendant or use an in-home service, confirm in advance that they will be able to assist you in case of an emergency.
However, always have a backup plan ready.
Other key contacts for you to make, if a hurricane is approaching, might include equipment vendors, health care providers and utility companies.
Remember that they, too, might face disruptions because of a hurricane. Plan accordingly.
Give each person in your personal support network a copy of this health record. Keep a copy with you, and make copies to keep in emergency
supply kits, wheelchair packs, your car, at work, and in your wallet or purse.
Build a special needs Go Bag and Emergency Supply Kit
In addition to the items everyone should consider including in their Go Bag and Emergency Supply Kit, seniors and people with disabilities should
gather specific items indispensable to managing their condition. This might include adding items like:
• A flashlight on a key ring.
• A signaling device (whistle, beeper, bell, screecher).
• Three-day supply of low-sodium foods (for hypertension patients) or reduced-sugar food (for diabetics).
• Enough medical supplies for up to two weeks (medical syringes, colostomy bags, respiratory supplies, catheterization supplies, padding).
• For people with respiratory, cardiac or multiple chemical sensitivity conditions, store towels, masks, industrial respirators or other supplies
you can use to filter your air supply.
• Auxiliary aids (eyeglasses, hearing aid, dentures, cane, walker, brace, cushions, etc.).
• Extra batteries for flashlight, radio, hearing aid, and/or scooter, along with extra clothes, and your medic-alert bracelet.
It is vital that seniors maintain a minimum of three gallons of fresh stored, distilled or bottled water — one gallon per day for a three-day period.
This is especially important for anyone who needs clean sterile water for taking medications, for sterile procedures, for the prevention of bladder
infections and so forth. Store water in sealed unbreakable containers that are easy to handle (e.g. small, easy-to-open bottles). Replace with fresh
water every six months.
Work with your physician to maintain a supply of life-sustaining medications and supplies
Have enough supplies (i.e. seizure, blood pressure, and heart medications, insulin, colostomy dressings, etc.) to last through any emergency.
Assume that in its aftermath, there may be no phone service and pharmacies may close. It is best if you are able to maintain at least a seven- to 14-
day supply of essential medications. But even maintaining a three-day supply would be extremely helpful, as long as the medication is being
stored under required conditions and is not past its expiration date. Be aware whether or not it is safe for you to skip a dose in an emergency. Keep
essential medications and copies of prescriptions with you.