Emergency kits usually come with standard supplies such as drinking water, food, first aid equipment, and batteries. As an aging adult, there are other considerations to make for emergency preparedness. Every part of the world can be prone to events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, landslides, or winter storms. Planning for the possibility of natural disasters or severe weather is crucial for safety and survival.
What To Include In An Emergency Kit
- Mobility Aids
If you have limited mobility or you are wheelchair-bound, you have to make plans for how you can get around and evacuate your home if necessary. For example, if you need a motorized wheelchair to move around, make sure to have a manual wheelchair as a backup.
- Medical Equipment
Most emergency shelters do not come with durable medical equipment (DME) available so you have to bring your own. This includes mobility aids, blood sugar monitors, therapeutic oxygen equipment, specialized cushions to prevent skin breakdown, CPAP devices, and any other portable DME that you need to maintain your health.
- Personal Care Products
Older adults will require specific supplies to ensure comfort and personal hygiene. Stock up on important items such as incontinence supplies, latex gloves, toilet paper, bathing products, and commode liners. This helps to make sure that your basic daily routine and quality of care do not change too much during and after an emergency. Remember to also get supplies such as paper towels, face masks, garbage bags, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant spray.
ID, Legal And Health Information
Keep copies of essential identification and health documents in an emergency folder for yourself. Bring along your ID card and insurance cards too. Other important papers include copies of advance directives, power of attorney documents, and a complete medication list. If you have to evacuate, bringing along copies of the deed or lease to your home and insurance policies may be a good idea too.
Medication
Speak with your doctor about getting an extra week’s supply of all your medications. This will help you to stick to your regimen despite the harsh weather conditions or when the pharmacies become inaccessible. Bear in mind that prescription medications have shelf lives. Throw away any expired medications that you find in your emergency kits regularly.
First Aid Kit
You need to have a first aid kit in case of any emergencies. So do include a complete first aid kit that comes with a manual in the emergency supplies bag.
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