Emergency preparedness important for seniors

As soon as the clouds roll in, the lights flicker and the weather channel displays its orange crawl line on the bottom of the television screen warning of a storm, I immediately run to the closet and grab a flashlight. A stop by the cookie cupboard is next so that I will have provisions.

Rarely are these actions warranted, as I seldom lose power. However, being prepared is important, and should the lights go out, I would not want to find myself stumbling about in the dark searching for snacks.

I hesitate to confess that this is the extent of my own disaster preparedness plan, so clearly what we have here is a case of “do as I say and not as I do.” Still, it is thunderstorm season and high winds can leave outlying areas isolated by knocking out phone and power lines.

Then there are the unexpected situations, such as the recent flooding in southern Maine. So whether evacuation is required or not, it is best to prepare for as many situations as you can.

One step seniors can take toward preparedness is to pack up a canvas bag or large backpack that can be grabbed quickly if evacuation is required. The bag should contain a list of medications, including a three-day supply, eyeglasses prescription, allergies, medical conditions, contact information, a first aid kit, a copy of identification such as a license, and sample sizes of personal care items and hand sanitizer.

The kit also should have non-perishable foods, such as peanut butter and crackers, dried fruits, small cans of tuna, pudding cups, dry milk and protein bars. Be sure to have a manual can opener, a battery operated radio – which may be your only link to the outside world – flashlights, extra batteries, an extra set of keys and a silver emergency blanket that is available in stores for about $2.

Have some cash on hand as ATMs and credit card machines may not work if there is a major power outage. Keep bottled water – one gallon per person, per day – stacked near your kit. Be mindful of the location of your kit, as it should be easily accessible, and make sure it has an ID tag.

If you have a pet, keep plenty of food and treats in the kit, and make emergency arrangements in advance in case your furry loved one is unable to accompany you to a shelter. Check with your veterinarian’s office or local animal shelter to see if temporary accommodations are available. When it’s unsafe for the animals to stay home alone, some places will take them in until the crisis is over.

Once your kit is in place, the Red Cross Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors, available at redcross.org, suggests some other helpful tips:

. Arrange to have someone check on you.

. Plan escape routes from different areas of your home and then practice them often, especially with grandchildren.

. Devise a way to signal for help if necessary, then alert your neighbors to your plan.

. Have contact numbers by the phone or programmed into a cell phone.

. Have a contact out of the area or state. Sometimes it is easier to call away than locally.

. Plan ahead for emergency situations with any home health agencies that visit you regularly.

While it is next to impossible to be prepared for every situation, with a little forethought and effort you can be ready for most emergencies.

For more information on disaster preparedness, call Eastern Agency on Aging. We’ll be happy to send you a small packet of information.

Carol Higgins is director or communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, e-mail info@eaaa.org or log on www.eaaa.org.