Disaster Planning Tips for Older Adults¹

Water

• 1 gallon per person per day

• Store at least 3–5 days worth. A two-week supply is ideal.

• Use for drinking and sanitation.

• Store extra water if you have pets.

• Water from swimming pools and spas can be used only for flushing toilets.

• Dehydration is a serious health problem for older adults. If possible, store more than the recommended amount.

• Gallon jugs of water are heavy. Use containers that are small enough to easily handle, such as clean and sanitized two-liter plastic soda bottles, if you choose not to purchase commercial water storage containers.

• Be certain that the caps are easy to remove by persons with arthritis.

Food

Store at least a 3–5 day supply of non-perishable foods with selections from all food groups. Examples include:

• Grains - breads, dry cereals, crackers, biscuits

• Vegetables - canned (your favorites)

• Fruits -canned (in juice) and dried

• Milk - canned and boxed shelf-stable; consider small sizes

• Meat and Beans - jerky, canned beans, canned tuna and chicken, shelf-stable chicken, nuts and seeds, peanut and nut butters

• Consider special dietary needs, such as low-sodium, high-fiber, or other special foods.

• Store small cans of food that can be eaten at one meal or snack.

• Have a manual can opener that is easy to use.

First Aid Kits:

• 1 for home

• 1 for car

To assemble your own first aid kit, include the following:

• Adhesive bandages, various sizes

• Sterile dressings

• Conforming roller gauze bandages

• Triangular bandages

• Sterile gauze pads, various sizes

• Cotton balls

• Cohesive bandage roll

• Germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Antiseptic wipes

• Medical grade non-latex gloves

• Adhesive tape

• Anti-bacterial ointment

• Cold pack

• Thermometer

• Scissors (small, personal)

• Tweezers

• Assorted sizes of safety pins

• CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield

• Sunscreen

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Whistle to signal for help

• Buy a prepared kit and add anything different that you might need.

• If using a kit you have, restock used or expired supplies.

Contacts: List of whom to notify in an emergency

• All doctors names, phone numbers, addresses, and what they treat you for (e.g. cardiologist)

• Phone numbers of a few in and out-of-town relatives or close friends

• Keep all of these lists in a waterproof plastic bag or container.

Important papers

• Identification cards

• Insurance cards

• Birth/death/marriage certificates

• Social security card

• Bank account and credit card information

• Keep all documents in waterproof plastic bags or containers.

Also include:

• Medicare and/or Medicaid cards

• Living will and medical power of attorney

• Veteran's papers

Electronics

• Battery-powered radio and/or television

• Cell phone and chargers for the house and car

• Extra batteries for each electronic device

• Battery-powered wheel chair

• Learn how to connect and start backup power supply for wheel chair or other necessary medical equipment.

• Have a manual wheelchair for backup.

Time passers

• Board games, puzzles, playing cards

• Books

• Paper and pens for letters and notes; envelopes and stamps

• Sewing, crocheting, knitting supplies

• Paperback books weigh less than hardcover books.

• E-book readers store hundreds of books (but do need charging).

Medical needs

• Lists of prescription medications and dosage

• Doctors' and pharmacy phone numbers and addresses

• Extra glasses

• Pain relievers

• Stomach medicine

• Poison-response drugs

• Supplements

• Check expiration dates and replace as needed.

• Extra hearing aid batteries

• Medical alert tag or bracelet

• Wheel chair batteries

• List of serial numbers and styles of medical devices (i.e. pacemakers)

• Photocopies of all prescription drugs with dosage, directions, interactions, refill dates

• Consult with your doctor about which non-prescription drugs and supplements are safe for you.

• Minimum 2-week supply of all essential medications

People with special needs

Persons with diabetes

• Keep travel packs of insulin in the refrigerator.

• Testing supplies (enough for at least 2 weeks)

• Extra batteries for your meter

• Insulin-delivery supplies

• Insulin

• Lancets and Lancing device

• Oral medications

• Quick-acting source of glucose

• Extra glucagon emergency kit

• Medical waste container for used needles

• Keep insulin as cool as possible; if on ice, be careful not to freeze.

• If necessary, insulin may be stored at room temperature (59°F–86°F) for 28 days.

• Do not use insulin that clumps or sticks to the side of the bottle.

Persons with Alzheimer's

• Register with local police and fire departments.

• ID bracelet or necklace indicating special or peculiar behaviors (e.g., memory loss)

• Written instructions for reaching family members, friends, and physicians.

Bed-Bound Persons

• Emergency transportation plan

• Supplies of daily care items - bed pads, adult diapers, linens (enough for at least 2 weeks)

• Dietary needs

Oxygen-Dependent

• Oxygen supplies (including alternate power source such as a battery)

• Extra water for oxygen condensers

Persons with Incontinence

• Incontinence under garments

• Disposable wipes

• Cleansing products

Emotional support/ Stress reduction

• Special photos

• Spiritual support

• A special memento

• Comfort food

• Addresses and phone numbers of friends

• Keep a journal about your experience.

• Form an informal 'support group' to share concerns and information.

• Write letters to your grandchildren or other family and friends.

Pets

• Extra food in plastic containers

• Carrier

• ID tags (2 sets, one on the animal and one extra) with name and your contact information

• Proof of ownership (e.g., registration papers and pictures)

• Medications and pet first aid supplies

• Medical and vaccination records

• Veterinarian's phone number and address

Evacuation

• Have backpacks handy to put supplies, clothing, and bedding in if you must evacuate or move to a shelter.

• Plan in advance for someone to care for your pet if pets not welcome at shelter.

• Prearrange transportation with neighbors.

• Identify local shelters that accommodate older adults and persons with disabilities.