The weather in the Hoosier state can be unpredictable. In just a few hours, the day can go from hot and humid to cool and stormy. This can lead to emergency situations such as tornados and flooding. Because seniors are more likely to live with health conditions, planning ahead for an emergency is important. We thought it would help if we shared a few tips caregivers in Indiana can use to get started.
Creating a Home Emergency Kit for an Indiana Senior
Putting together a home emergency kit is the best way to prepare for a disaster. The experts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommend that your kit include:
- A three to five day supply of non-perishable foods and a manual can opener you can use to open the cans in the event the electricity is out.
- One gallon of water for each person living in the home.
- Several flashlights with extra batteries.
- A hand crank weather radio or one that is battery operated with an extra set of batteries.
- Personal care products and a change of clothes (a sweat suit may be best).
- A first aid kit and a whistle or horn to call for help.
- A supply of paper plates, plastic cups, plastic silverware and napkins.
- Food and water for the senior’s pets.
- A bucket stocked with cleaning supplies including bleach wipes, disinfectant, paper towels, rags, rubber gloves and a mask to cover the mouth and nose.
- One to two week’s supply of all prescription and over-the-counter medications. You will need to restock this as prescriptions and dosages change.
- Copies of medical information and important documents sealed in a waterproof container. (You may be able to store some of this information on your smart phone but you want to be prepared in case the power is out for several days.)
- Blankets, pillows, folding chairs, and a cot to sleep on.
- A small, easy-to-use fire extinguisher.
Store the home emergency kit in the area your senior loved one is most likely to go in the event of an emergency. In most cases, it will be the basement of the home or an interior bathroom or closet.
To learn more, please visit Be Informed, a resource center developed by the Department of Homeland Security in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.