COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN FOR SENIORS
OLDER AMERICANS REPORT-JULY 2008
READER QUESTION SPOTLIGHT: We'd like to help seniors be more prepared for emergencies. What supplies should they have on hand in case of disaster?
ANSWER: An emergency survival supplies kit is important for anyone-but older Americans are even more dependent on good planning in an emergency. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a checklist that specifically addresses the needs of individuals with medical needs living at home. Among the items recommended are:
Food: Label and date lightweight food that does not require refrigeration, cooking or preparation; store in plastic bags
Water: (One gallon per person for each day, plus extra for pets and sanitation). Label and date or purchase bottled water.
First-aid kit: Include medications and medical supplies for at least five to seven days, as well as glasses or contact lenses, eye wash and hearing aid batteries. Also include over-the-counter supplies such as fever and pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, emetic to induce vomiting, antacids, sterile gauze pads, bandages, antiseptic spray, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, petroleum jelly, latex gloves, scissors, tweezers and safety pins.
A wearable medical emblem: Items such ads a bracelet or necklace noting diagnosis such as "Diabetes," "Dialysis" or 'Hemophilia."
* Manual can opener and utility knife.
* Cell phone and charger.
* Emergency contact names and telephone numbers.
Identification: You should include photocopies of identification such as a driver's license, Social Security card, Medicare card, other health insurance information and credit cards.
* Cash and coins.
Sanitation-related items: This can include items such as soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, personal hygiene items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, denture needs, shampoo, bathroom tissue, paper towels, dust mask, garbage bags and bleach.
Portable, battery-powered radio or weather radio plus extra batteries.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
Blankets, towels, inflatable pillows, air mattresses and sleeping bags.
Extra Clothing: This includes clothing suitable to weather conditions such as waterproof coats or ponchos, boots, or other weather appropriate clothes such as gloves, heavy socks, hats, mittens or scarf.
Whistle: This should be an air horn or other noisemaker to signal for help.
| 
