Seniors need to know hurricane preparedness tips

Senior citizens need to know how to protect themselves for a disaster

So often when we retire all we ever want is a relaxing and enjoyable senior life. Many who are retired feel that they have retired from the stress and strain of work life. Well in many ways I guess they have, unfortunately that is not the case when it comes to disasters. EVERYONE MUST be wiling to step up to the plate and be responsible for their own well being especially in times of disaster.

The following article is a quick introduction into what all the necessary issues and needs of seniors when a hurricane disaster is possible.

Many seniors are on a fixed income so if at all possible it is wise to start NOW to establish or revise emergency preparedness kit. Articles like the one below is a good way to start to get the emergency preparedness tips that can be of help when a disaster such as hurricane occurs. It is most important to have comprehensive disaster preparedness information that can be obtained from a hurricane reference guide.

Make sure you have your own personal disaster plan as well as your disaster recovery plan completed long before a hurricane might strike. BOTH are necessary to have at the ready to quickly get your life back into order as best as possible. Remember that disaster kits can be low cost emergency survival kits. Emergency preparedness necessities don’t have to be fancy or high tech, they need to be useful. For some items see if you and some friends can go in together to purchase them so that you can buy in bulk and get the items at a discount.

Start now with what ever budget you have and take the steps even small steps that will add up to a well prepared you and your household.

Hurricane Preparedness - Ensure you're prepared in the event of a hurricane with our hurricane preparedness websites, books and free advice. Learn Emergency preparedness tips & Disaster preparedness information

www.trainforahurricane.com.

COMMENTS WELCOMED!

Please share your thoughts, emergency preparedness tips and stories here on this blog.

All I ask is that everyone be respectful and sensitive of each other and that identifying information about a person who is not the author be limited to protect their privacy.

Be Safe

Terrie

www.trainforahurricane.com

Dr. Terrie Modesto, PhD, author of Train For A Hurricane is an international expert in dying, death, loss and critical incident individual and community disaster preparation and response with 20+ year’s experience. She has over 60 courses, books and training manuals to her credit and is available for consulting, lectures and interviews. Website: www.trainforahurricane.com Blog: http://hurricane-prepared-ness.blogspot.com/

8 Ways Senior Adults Can Prepare for a Disaster

Written by Danny Von Kanel

This article is courtesy of Mature Living.

http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D167482%252526M%25253D200744%2C00.html?

Encounters with recent hurricanes and tornados have pinpointed weaknesses in preparedness plans – especially those related to senior adults.

“Hurricane Katrina taught us several important lessons about caring for our elders in time of disaster,” said Nina Tumosa, Ph.D., professor of geriatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and a health educator at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in St. Louis. “There was no mechanism for the elderly to get access to medications, both emergency and regular,” she said. “And many people didn’t have a plan in place to care for their pets.”

What should senior adults do to prepare for a disaster? Start with these eight ways.

1. Discuss the community warning system with all members of your household. Know the location of a shelter nearest you. Local radio and television stations can provide routes to shelters, listings of temporary sanctuaries, and other emergency procedures.

2. Itemize neighborhood directory listings. Create a list of your local emergency management office, police department, fire department, and hospitals. Also, make a list of other seniors in your neighborhood who may be alone during emergency situations.

3. Seek safety for your pets. Develop an emergency care plan for your animals and know where the local animal shelter is located. Seek their advise on what to do with your pet(s) in an emergency.

4. Assess special needs. If you will require specialized assistance during an emergency, let your disaster management leaders know prior to the disaster.

5. Secure property protection. Purchase and learn how to use a fire extinguisher. Learn how to shut off utilities, including gas, electricity, and water. Make sure your house address numbers are large and well-lit so emergency personnel can find your home easily.

6. Test evacuation procedures. Determine the shortest and safest route to the evacuation shelter in your area. Obtain a map if you are not familiar with the neighborhood. Note alternate routes in the event your primary escape routes are blocked. Once your procedures are in place, walk through them and test their viability.

7. Establish a disaster supply kit. Assemble a kit that includes six basic items: water, food, first aid, appropriate seasonal clothing, tools, and emergency supplies of special items (heart and blood pressure medicine, insulin, prescription drugs, denture tools, contact lenses and supplies, and extra eye glasses).

8. Remember your Protector. In times of disaster, human beings are prone to panic. As a Christian, you have a resource that the world does not know. Put your faith in our Lord and trust Him to protect you during a disaster.

If you learn and put into practice these eight measures (discuss, itemize, seek, assess, secure, test, establish, remember), you will be well on your way to preparing yourself when the next storm passes by.

Danny Von Kanel serves as minister of music and outreach at Memorial Baptist Church in Bogalusa, La. He has published two books and more than 130 articles. Danny has been preparing for hurricanes for the past 25 years.