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A personalized plan can keep older adults safe during emergency situations.
Set up a support network
Seniors should reach out to at least two people, whether it's friends, neighbors or relatives who live nearby, and ask them to serve as contacts when emergencies strike.
Plan for power loss
It's important for seniors who rely on power-dependent medical devices like stair lifts, motorized beds, motorized wheelchairs, and CPAP machines to figure out a backup power plan, says the American Red Cross.
This might include installing a home house generator or having back-up batteries that are routinely charged.
Build a supply kit
A supply kit or a grabbable "go bag" will be filled with all the necessities.
Some seniors take five or more daily medications, so it's important to maintain at least a 30-day supply of all prescriptions and keep copies of the prescriptions in case medication needs to be filled at a different pharmacy.
The American Red Cross also advises keeping extra batteries for hearing aids or mobility devices, a written list of pertinent health information, and ample water and non-perishable food for each person on hand.