Q: I have seen advertisements urging people to be ready for an emergency crisis, but do not know what supplies are needed. What should I gather up?
A: It is crucial to be ready for emergencies such as natural disasters or power outages, especially if you live alone. Make a plan today that can be adapted to any situation so others can help you, or periodically check on your safety following an unusual event. Having a well-thought-out plan can ease anxiety during unplanned situations. Many interconnected challenges result in older adults being disproportionately affected by disasters requiring tailored preparedness and response strategies to assure safety and well-being. Here’s a concise guide to help you prepare:
1. Emergency notifications: If you reside in assisted living, determine how you will be notified about emergencies—whether through facility alerts or communication from loved ones. Understand the building's crisis plans and knowing who will inform you is essential. If you live alone and have a smartphone consider signing up for personal response systems, weather service announcements, download emergency management alerts or the FEMA app.
2. Support contacts: Create a list of individuals to contact in emergencies. This support network should include at least three family members or friends, along with necessary emergency providers such as your doctor, transportation services, and reminders for 9-1-1. Consider giving a spare key to trusted individuals and inform them of your emergency plan.
3. Communication methods: Plan how to communicate if phone lines are not functioning. Options like walkie-talkies can be effective. These will work if phone lines are not operating, cellular networks are out, or if power grids are down because they use radio waves, not towers. Determine if you could safely walk to a neighbor's house for help. If needed, consider installing a landline since traditional phones operate without electricity, unlike cordless models.
4. Emergency kit: Assemble a “go bag” with supplies for 3-7 days. Include 1 gallon of water per day, non-perishable food, a week’s worth of medication, a first-aid kit, personal hygiene items, extra batteries for hearing aids, spare eyeglasses, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, essential documents, and emergency contacts. Detailed supply lists and other resources are available at this website https://www.ready.gov.
5. Backup power for medical equipment: If you use medical equipment like oxygen tanks or electric wheelchairs, establish a backup power plan and inform the utility company of your needs.
6. Emotional preparedness: Emergencies can be distressing. Stay calm and secure. Assist emergency responders by turning on outside lights if you have power. Be ready to provide your exact address, cross streets or notable landmarks. If you have a smartphone, utilize GPS or apps like What3Words to communicate your location easily via a three word address. Open Google Maps or Apple Maps to read your exact latitude/longitude or address to the dispatcher. If you are in a car, make yourself more visible with hazard lights if you anticipate rescue in a few hours.
7. Don’t hesitate to seek help: It's important to ask for assistance when needed. You might worry that you are burdening others, but even small disruptions to your routine impact your health. Calling for an emergency response team can reduce physical or mental decline. Conditions like dementia or memory loss complicate an individual's ability to understand, remember, or follow evacuation procedures or emergency plans. If you or others around you feel disoriented, or are injured, don’t wait—reach out for help right away.
8. Practice your plan: Regularly rehearse your emergency procedures and communication strategies with your support network. Familiarity will build your confidence and readiness for any situation.
Taking these steps ensures you will be better prepared when emergencies arise, and help you navigate unfamiliar, chaotic environments safely.
Karen Casanovas, PCC, CPCC, CLIPP is a certified resilience strategist, author, and speaker dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations with practical tools and strategies grounded in neuroscience, positive psychology, and cognitive-behavioral frameworks. If you have questions write to her at info@karencasanovas.com.
