Be prepared for emergencies
If you’re older or care for someone who is, it’s important to be prepared should an emergency arise. You don’t want to waste precious time trying to find what you need if you suddenly become ill or the weather becomes stormy.
Have these items on hand at all times:
- A flashlight next to your bed:
• Remember that your smart phone has a flashlight feature that can help you walk safely in the dark by lighting your path.
- A battery-powered radio and extra batteries
- A grab-and-go crisis kit, which could be as simple as a tote bag that holds:
• An extra house or apartment key, and an extra car fob / key
• Band-aids, gauze / tape, and a small scissors
• An extra pair of eyeglasses
• A list of key contacts (family, friends or a neighbor, doctors, pharmacy)
• An extra phone charger
• Limited cash / coins
• 2 - 3 days’ worth of any prescription medicines (and a list of them, with dosages and frequency)
• Items for your comfort in case you need to leave home quickly – a comb / brush, deodorant, underwear, socks, lotion, razor, chapstick, shampoo, and tissues
- Hygiene products, such as pads or adult diapers and wipes, and hand-sanitizer
- Several packages / cans of ready-to-eat food and a manual can opener
- A supply of water, such as a 24-pack of spring water or 2 gallon jugs of distilled water
“While this list isn’t comprehensive, it is a good starting point to making sure your house is equipped with basic items you may need in different types of emergencies,” advises Heather Rehmer, Vice President of Operations, CHI Living Communities.
“A major benefit of living on a senior living campus is that we’re prepared for all types of emergencies so our residents don’t need to be, she adds. “We have generators, a maintenance crew, clinical staff, and others who are on site to help ensure your health and safety 24/7.”
Regardless of where you live, your chances of remaining safe can increase with some advance planning.