September is National Preparedness Month

When there’s an emergency, you need to be ready in a matter of seconds. It shouldn’t take hours to find what you need, and a better prepared household is a safer one, particularly for older adults. What can you do to ensure your home is ready to deal with a natural disaster or another type of emergency? Take a look.

• Create an Emergency Plan: Think about the types of emergencies you may face in the future. Fire is one many people consider, but there are many more depending on where you live. If you live near a transportation hub, you could have a chemical emergency in the future. If you live near a fault line, an earthquake is a possibility. Heat waves, flu outbreaks, and even power outages could also be a problem for you. Once you know what you’re facing, assign each member of your household a responsibility during that type of situation, and talk about how you might work together as a team. Don’t forget to include special considerations in your plan like dietary needs, disabilities, and medical needs. As often as possible, review your plan and practice your responsibilities.
• Sign Up for Warnings and Alerts: Many organizations offer a variety of warnings and alerts to keep you informed during an emergency. From apps for your phone and other devices to NOAA weather radios, there are a number of options that can give you access to the information you need.
• Build a Kit: You may need supplies in the event of an emergency, and that means creating an easy to carry kit that you can take with you should you need to evacuate. At the very minimum, it should include a gallon of water per person per day, a 3-day supply of non-perishable food, a hand crank flashlight, a hand crank radio, a first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medication or other medical items needed, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, and any documentation you may need. Extra cash can be helpful as well.

Emergency preparedness becomes even more important when you have a loved one who needs ongoing care. To learn more about how we can help our clients and their families prepare for the worst, contact us today.