Steps Seniors Can Take to Prepare for Natural Disasters
Senior Health and Wellbeing | September 15, 2022
September is #NationalPreparednessMonth; What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About Natural Disaster Preparation
Steps Seniors Can Take to Prepare for Natural Disasters | We often underestimate the volatility of Mother Nature, forgetting that our possessions, our homes, and even those we love can be taken away from us in the blink of an eye because of a tornado, hurricane, wildfire, flood, or any number of other natural disasters.
Of course, we’ve gotten smarter and more sophisticated with the way these catastrophic events are forecasted and handled. Local officials have detailed plans for evacuations, and relief teams are at the ready to help however possible. Experience also counts for a lot. Think of how many disasters you’ve witnessed up to this point, and how the learnings from those experiences will aid you and others in any future events. Seniors, in particular, have a wealth of knowledge to pull from.
#DYK – The Red Cross delivered more food, relief items, and shelter stays in 2017 than in the last four years combined. American Red Cross
Despite this knowledge and expertise, seniors are often those most vulnerable during natural disasters because of chronic health conditions or diminished hearing and vision. Even those in excellent health may just not be as agile as they once were. Fortunately, age-related limitations don’t have to stop seniors from being able to handle whatever Mother Nature throws their way. Below are some helpful tips that senior clients can follow – together with family caregivers – to prepare for natural disasters.
Steps Seniors Can Take to Prepare for Natural Disasters:
- Become and stay informed
- Study up on which natural disasters are likely to affect your area.
- Learn your community’s established response and evacuation plans.
- Sign up for text or email alert notifications available in your community.
- Create a supply kit that includes the following:
- Water for drinking and sanitation (1 gallon per person, per day – for at least 3 days)
- Non-perishable food (3-day supply)
- Medications (to last at least 7 days)
- First aid kit and manual
- Personal documents (ID, birth certificate, deed to the home, medication list that includes dosages, etc.)
- Manual can opener
- Tools (screwdriver, wrench, pliers, etc.)
- Emergency blankets
- Personal hygiene items
- Change of clothes
- Cell phone and extra chargers
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Battery-operated or hand crank radio
- Put a plan in place
- Determine who your emergency contacts are, and ensure that they know of community plans.
- Double check that you have a thorough list of family contacts, not only in your phone but also written down.
- Assess your home, and determine the best escape routes, considering specific factors such as limited mobility.
- Write down all plans so that you can reference them at any time.
- Check out Redcross.ca. This is a nationwide resource that connects millions of people to services for many situations, including emergencies and disaster situations.
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If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with retirement care, 24-hour care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more!
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To learn more about senior care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office to discuss our unique service offering. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.
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Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Recently awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada, our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.
References:
Red Cross. “Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors.” Web. 2018.
Ready.gov. “Seniors.” Web. 2018.
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