DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE FOR SENIORS BY SENIORS
The American Red Cross.
USA.
Program Description
“Learn how to protect yourself and cope with disaster by planning ahead. Even if you have physical limitations, you can still protect and prepare yourself.”
“The American Red Cross recommends that senior citizens create a personal support network made up of several individuals who will check in on you in an emergency, to ensure your wellness and to give assistance if needed. This network can consist of friends, roommates, family members, relatives, personal attendants, co-workers and neighbors.”
- redcross.org
The Disaster Preparedness Guide for Seniors By Seniors recommends that seniors:
Make a Disaster Kit – seniors or caregivers should prepare a kit ahead of time with food, can opener, water, medicine, blanket, shoes, coats, flashlights, copies of important documents such as deeds, insurance policies, and contact information for friends and family, and other essential supplies in a backpack or a bag with wheels.
Make a Disaster Preparedness Plan – seniors should make an evacuation/ escape plan out of their residence and neighborhood and designate a meeting place for family or friends and an out of town contact to notify that everything is ok.
The guide discusses the need for seniors to be aware of the emotional and psychological effects of disasters such as anxiety, gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbances, confusion, anger, and sadness.
The rise of senior financial scams and exploitation after a disaster are also discussed. Seniors can fall victim to price gouging, giving out personal information and other scams.
Fire departments, Community Emergency Response Team’s (CERT), neighborhood watches, faith-based organizations, and others can possibly assist seniors with putting together disaster preparedness plans.
source: redcross.org
Senior Safety
Elderly Emergency Response
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