Planning ahead for emergencies
Are you and those you care for ready to act quickly and efficiently when faced with an emergency, an evacuation or a disaster?
Whether it’s a wildfire, storm flooding or a chemical spill, a natural or man-made disaster that occurs in your community can change your life can in the blink of an eye.
As has happened in many communities, an emergency situation happens with little or no warning or time to plan. It often calls for an evacuation of residents to a safer place.
Local officials, medical personnel and families are forced to think and move quickly. Researching and creating a personal plan is key to reducing risk, having the supplies you might need ready to you and will help you to stay connected to loved ones and to emergency services your community.
According to Chief Nishan Duraiappah, President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. “It’s important for caregivers and seniors to plan ahead and be ready for when things suddenly change. Taking time to prepare and become aware of how you can keep your loved ones and especially vulnerable people safe has never been so important. I encourage everyone to seek and access safety resources made available by police and community groups.”
Let’s look at the key elements of a well-thought-out emergency plan.
Think ahead and work with your family and friends to develop your emergency plan. Make sure that you all keep copies of the plan (printed and electronically and attach all critical information in a waterproof folder. List languages spoken, religious affiliations, dietary needs and special needs as well. Update and practice your plan twice a year.
Establish a “safe place” network
Create written and digital contact info for family and friends and emergency numbers. Where should you go in your community? Who will help if the primary caregiver can’t. You never know how far you might need to travel when a disaster hits. If you live alone try to organize a buddy system with a neighbour or friend so that you can check on each other and possibly travel together.
Security: Give your house keys or alarm code to a trusted family member, friend or neighbour so they can check on you and your home if you are sheltering-in-place or help you to leave if necessary.
Medical and disability
If you have memory, communication related disabilities or physical disabilities, think about their impact and any potential barriers they may cause and build accommodations and health factors into your plan. Make it easier for strangers to connect and communicate with you by having and help you by printed cards explaining your needs.
• Wear medical alert bracelet if needed. Pack a spare in your emergency kit to help first responders provide necessary care.
• If you undergo regularly health treatments such as chemo or dialysis, work with your hospital or clinic ask ahead for paperwork that will help you prepare for back-up services in another location.
• Have copies of your medical history and your prescriptions. Ask your doctor for a 2-week supply of your meds just for your Go Bag. Remember to also pack a supply of over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins.
Assistive technology and supplies
Medical equipment that requires electricity or assistive technologies that you use, should come with you. Have back-up batteries always fully charged. Plan ways to evacuate with your devices and consider also how you will replace them if they are destroyed or lost. (Perhaps keeping a duplicate or an older model that could work in an emergency may be wise).
For those who have limited eyesight or are blind, it recommended that you have extra glasses and a spare cane ready to go. Attach a whistle to the cane—sure beats yelling. For those with hearing aids pack extra batteries.
Assume that wherever you go, you will need to bring your own dietary and diabetic needs, therapeutic oxygen, adult diapers, rollators or canes etc.
Around the house
Knowing basic mechanical information will save you precious time and frustration when you are in the middle of an emergency.
Here are a few critical things to locate:
• Fire extinguishers: Know where they are and how to use if needed.
• First Aid Kit: Restocked and in an easy to find a spot that is accessible.
• Main water value: Where it is and how to shut off.
• Electrical panel: Locate and learn how to reset. If fuses are needed, keep them visible.
• Heat sources (gas, oil, propane, electricity): List your service company’s emergency phone numbers beside each device.
• Floor drains: should be easy-to-find and not covered with clutter.
• Escape routes: Don’t block doors or stairways so exiting is easier.
• Spare keys and codes: Store in a secret spot outside the house and let trusted neighbours know where they are.
Pets
If you need to evacuate your home, remember that pets must go too. This requires advanced planning with light weight, transportable crates and cages, a 72 hour Go Bag just for them that includes: canned and dry foods, water, bowls, spoon and a manual can opener and their meds. Be sure to also include copies of medical records, medications, vaccinations along with a collar, harness, leash or muzzle and of course a few of their favoUrite treats and toys.
Have up-to-date ID tags (with their name, your name and your phone #) and a picture of you with your pet in case you get separated. Don’t forget about their sanitation needs. If you have cats, remember to include litter, a litter box, bags and a scooper and for dogs, paper towels, “poop bags” and plastic garbage bags. Communicate with your network that you have your pets and that they are safe with you.
Prepare in advance a list of shelters or hotels that are pet friendly. Even in emergencies, not all pets are welcomed everywhere by everyone.
Mary Bart is the chair of Caregiving Matters, an Internet-based charity that offers education and support to family caregivers.
