Seniors should prepare emergency kits in case of disaster

Seniors ages 65 and older make up over 12 percent of the United States population. Of these 33 million individuals, 14 million have a disability. For this population, facing an emergency or disaster can be a frightening possibility. While local officials and relief workers will be on the scene shortly after a disaster, they cannot reach everyone right away.
Winter storms, thunderstorms, tornadoes, floods, fires, and toxic spills occur in the Midwest every year. In preparation for these emergencies, seniors should take advantage of the following guidelines.
* Listen to designated Emergency Alert Systems via radio and TV stations in preparation of severe weather;
* Assemble disaster supplies;
* Plan and practice the best escape routes from your home;
* Plan for transportation if you need to evacuate to a Red Cross shelter;
* Find the safe places in your home for each type of emergency;
* Have a signal for help and make neighbors aware of that signal;
* Post emergency phone numbers near the phone;
* If you have home health care service, plan ahead with your agency for emergency procedures;
* Teach those who may need to assist you in an emergency how to operate necessary equipment. Be sure they will be able to reach you.
Keep medical needs in mind and keep the following items in an easy to access location:
* First-aid kit;
* Prescription medicines, list of medications including dosage, list of any allergies;
* Extra eyeglasses and hearing aid batteries.
* Extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen;
* List of the style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers;
* Medical insurance and Medicare cards;
* List of doctors, relatives, and friends who should be notified if you are injured.
This list is not exhaustive, but the above guidelines can protect seniors in an emergency situation. For more information on disaster preparedness or disaster supplies, please call the Tri-County American Red Cross at (563) 583-6451.