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.
In order to provide for the needs of all members of your family, several measures must be put in place. Begin by identifying the threats that you are exposed to depending on your environment. When planning for escape, consider the medical requirements in an unconventional setting. Preparations for floods, earthquakes, hurricanes or tornadoes are not similar.
Safety is more than having an emergency kit. Identify community resource centers and how people in the locality are notified of disasters. It could be through the local radio, TV, weather station, etc. Each community also has rescue plans like emergency centers and evacuation procedures. Be keen to watch out for warnings and know the best action to take.
Plan your escape from the premises and the area. Identify the paths you can use and earmark two in opposite directions. Once or twice every year, conduct escape drills to familiarize every family member with appropriate and effective escape procedures. Each member of the family should be assigned a responsibility during escape. Identify a safe location to gather away from the disaster site after escaping. Storied houses should have escape ladders that are easy to mount and use.
Communication is crucial during a disaster. Identify how you will communicate to every family member within the vicinity. It should be fast and reliable considering that certain infrastructure might be damaged.
The items that go into the kit will determine your survival after escape. Non-perishable foods that would last several days must be included. Clean drinking water is mandatory as well as a first aid kit. Include a flash light with batteries and some warm clothing or blanket. Matchboxes should be packed in a waterproof wrapper.
Disasters displace families for sometime which might require movement and replacement of documents. The kit should therefore include photocopies of crucial document like identification and credit cards. Include a substantial amount of money in note and coin form since your cards might be lost or financial systems destroyed. Consider the medical needs of your family members including the need for hearing aids, medical supplies, contact lenses, etc.
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 basic first aid procedures like CPR and AED use for emergency assistance. Consider what the sick and elderly will require including wheelchairs, personal care items, blindness accessories and hearing aids. If you own a pet, plan for it effectively.
In order to provide for the needs of all members of your family, several measures must be put in place. Begin by identifying the threats that you are exposed to depending on your environment. When planning for escape, consider the medical requirements in an unconventional setting. Preparations for floods, earthquakes, hurricanes or tornadoes are not similar.
Safety is more than having an emergency kit. Identify community resource centers and how people in the locality are notified of disasters. It could be through the local radio, TV, weather station, etc. Each community also has rescue plans like emergency centers and evacuation procedures. Be keen to watch out for warnings and know the best action to take.
Plan your escape from the premises and the area. Identify the paths you can use and earmark two in opposite directions. Once or twice every year, conduct escape drills to familiarize every family member with appropriate and effective escape procedures. Each member of the family should be assigned a responsibility during escape. Identify a safe location to gather away from the disaster site after escaping. Storied houses should have escape ladders that are easy to mount and use.
Communication is crucial during a disaster. Identify how you will communicate to every family member within the vicinity. It should be fast and reliable considering that certain infrastructure might be damaged.
The items that go into the kit will determine your survival after escape. Non-perishable foods that would last several days must be included. Clean drinking water is mandatory as well as a first aid kit. Include a flash light with batteries and some warm clothing or blanket. Matchboxes should be packed in a waterproof wrapper.
Disasters displace families for sometime which might require movement and replacement of documents. The kit should therefore include photocopies of crucial document like identification and credit cards. Include a substantial amount of money in note and coin form since your cards might be lost or financial systems destroyed. Consider the medical needs of your family members including the need for hearing aids, medical supplies, contact lenses, etc.
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 basic first aid procedures like CPR and AED use for emergency assistance. Consider what the sick and elderly will require including wheelchairs, personal care items, blindness accessories and hearing aids. If you own a pet, plan for it effectively.
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