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.
There are crucial factors to consider when preparing an emergency kit for a family with elderly members. You need to identify the potential threat that exists in your environment. Think of a fire or a medical emergency if you live with a sick elder. Depending on your geographical location, prepare for earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods.
An emergency kit does not mean that you are absolutely safe. It helps to identify resource centers within your community and how disasters are announced. Some areas use TV stations, weather broadcasting stations, social media and radio stations to announce. There are procedures for evacuation and comprehensive plans for any emergency center. Know the signs of disaster and the action that is expected of you.
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.
Responding to disasters requires effective communication. Identify the best communication mode to notify all members and coordinate escape. The method chosen should be least reliant on established networks since they also might be damaged.
The content of your emergency kit determines how well you survive. The kit should include non-perishable foods for the entire family over several days. Include clean water depending on the size of your family. Carry a flashlight and its batteries, warm cloths and a lighter or matchbox in waterproof packaging.
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.
It is important to maintain your emergency kit if it is to serve its purpose. This includes replacing expired food items and ensuring that canned foods remain in a cool and dry place. Boxed food should be protected from invasion by pests and insects. Evaluate the content every year with the aim of updating depending on changing family size 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.
There are crucial factors to consider when preparing an emergency kit for a family with elderly members. You need to identify the potential threat that exists in your environment. Think of a fire or a medical emergency if you live with a sick elder. Depending on your geographical location, prepare for earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods.
An emergency kit does not mean that you are absolutely safe. It helps to identify resource centers within your community and how disasters are announced. Some areas use TV stations, weather broadcasting stations, social media and radio stations to announce. There are procedures for evacuation and comprehensive plans for any emergency center. Know the signs of disaster and the action that is expected of you.
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.
Responding to disasters requires effective communication. Identify the best communication mode to notify all members and coordinate escape. The method chosen should be least reliant on established networks since they also might be damaged.
The content of your emergency kit determines how well you survive. The kit should include non-perishable foods for the entire family over several days. Include clean water depending on the size of your family. Carry a flashlight and its batteries, warm cloths and a lighter or matchbox in waterproof packaging.
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.
It is important to maintain your emergency kit if it is to serve its purpose. This includes replacing expired food items and ensuring that canned foods remain in a cool and dry place. Boxed food should be protected from invasion by pests and insects. Evaluate the content every year with the aim of updating depending on changing family size 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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