The unfortunate disasters that we have all been witness to, victimized by or known someone involved in has made us more aware of how quickly our lives can change. In fact, these recent disasters remind us that personal emergency readiness needs to be a priority for everyone, including older adults and caregivers.
AoA recommends a simple, three-step approach:
Step 1: Know the basics . Learn about the risks your particular community faces; know how to do things like turning off your gas and electricity; get to know your neighbors.
Step 2: Have emergency supplies ready . This includes items you would need to survive in your home until help arrives; it should also include a personal evacuation bag, partially packed and ready to go.
Step 3: Make a personal plan. Many older persons have special needs relating to medications, medical equipment, mobility, and support services; making a personal emergency readiness plan increases the likelihood that essential needs will still be met, even in an emergency situation.
For more information about AoA 's Emergency Preparedness and Response efforts, visit the Administration on Aging website at www.AoA.gov
~Serena Brock
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