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Publication #FAR6019

 

Disaster Planning for Caregivers, Part 21

Carolyn Wilken2

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In time of emergencies, whether dealing with hurricanes, floods, or any number of natural disasters that can strike anywhere and anytime, having a plan to keep your family safe is critical. When you're responsible for providing care for someone who's disabled, that plan becomes far more complex. For example, people with disabilities and their caregivers need to know not only where the emergency shelters are, but where the shelters are that provide for their special needs. Caregivers should practice driving to the two closest shelters (in case the first one is inaccessible), using different routes, prior to storm warnings.

Additionally, caregivers should make a checklist of special caregiving goods they may need, such as incontinence items, cleaning and sanitizing supplies, pill splitter or crusher, and thermometer. Secure a box or case to carry them in.

Remember: in a disaster you may become separated from the person you provide care for. In case this happens, provide a written, detailed description of what the care receiver will need on a boldly written note securely taped to the front of the refrigerator. Emergency personnel know to look there and chances are good that the refrigerator will stay in place.

While tornadoes give little time to prepare, when a hurricane is approaching there is time to get ready, and plenty of time to worry. When caring for someone with a disability who depends on a strict routine to help remain calm, it is important to maintain as much of your daily routine as possible. For more information about how to create your own disaster plan, contact the local Red Cross office.

Listening, learning, and living together: it's the science of life. "Family Album" is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, and of WUFT-FM. If you'd like to learn more, please visit our website at http://www.familyalbumradio.org.

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Reference

Wilken, Carolyn S. (2005). Disaster planning tips for caregivers of the elderly and people with disabilities (FCS9216). Gainesville, FL: Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Retrieved August 4, 2006, from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY751.

Footnotes

1.

This document is FAR6019, one of a series of the Family Youth and Community Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Broadcast as program 510. Published February 2009. Reviewed March 2012. In the interest of time and/or clarity, the broadcast version of this script may have been modified. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2.

Carolyn Wilken, associate professor, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, Dean.