Prepare for disasters with planning

Emergencies and disaster can strike quickly and without warning and can force you to be confined to your home or evacuate with little notice.  Local officials and relief workers will be on scene after a disaster, but they cannot get to everyone right away.
You can cope with disasters by preparing in advance and working with your family as a team.  Follow the steps listed below.  They can make a difference in ensuring the safety of those you love.
• Get informed
Know what to take; what to do in specific disasters and what the specific risks are for that event; who to contact for more information; where the nearest shelter is located and do you need to go there.
• Make a plan
Meet with family members to plan how you will react and where you will meet if you are separated.  Formulate a list of contact numbers for everyone to have including out of town family members; plan an escape route and learn where the safe places are in your home for each type of disaster; plan escape routes from your home and practice evacuation drills as often as possible.  Don’t forget to plan for your family pets.
• Assemble a disaster kit
In the event you need to evacuate or if you are unable to leave your home, collect some basic items you will need to stay safe.  Store them in a portable container and keep it in a readily accessible place in the event you must leave quickly.  Refresh the contents at least once per year as family needs change.  Plan for three days or more worth of food, water medicine, and other essentials.  Also, consider clothing and blankets for the winter months.
Knowing what to do is your best protection for the safety of you and your loved ones.  Contact Gail at the Senior LinkAge Line® 800-333-2433 or gail@cmcoa.org for the following free guides: “Emergency Preparedness Guide for Older Adults and Caregivers” and “It Could Happen to Me: Family Conversations About Disaster Planning.”