Extra Steps: Emergency Preparedness of Seniors

EMERGENCY MEASURES ORGANIZATION--Extra Steps: Emergency Preparedness for Seniors

In an emergency, seniors and children are most at risk. Preparing for an emergency can make surviving easier. For a senior, being prepared means taking a few extra steps.

Seniors who live independently have more responsibility for themselves than do seniors living in special-care facilities. With a little awareness and preparation, all seniors can be prepared to protect themselves from the unexpected. The unexpected may be a power outage, severe weather forcing a senior to stay home or an accident in the home. A few easy steps can make a big difference.

"For seniors living independently, communications is the key," said Deborah Naugler, president of Nova Scotia's Special Care Emergency Preparedness Association. She recommends that seniors contact their local fire or police department and let them know that they live alone. Seniors can also request that the department do an assessment of their home to identify risks.

Having important information already written down will also make communicating easier during an emergency. Information such as name, next of kin, a person to call in case of emergency, family doctor and all medications taken should be included. This information should be kept on a piece of paper either on the back of the door, near the telephone or on the refrigerator.

Many Nova Scotia communities also have the free Vial of Life program. The program provides a small plastic container that holds a sheet with easy to read medical information along with red and white stickers and a magnet. The magnet is placed on the fridge where the vial is kept and once emergency personnel see the sticker or magnet, they will know the vial is stored on the door, inside the fridge.

"It's a good practice for every senior," said Ms. Naugler. "If someone is unable to respond or is upset and can't remember, vital information is available to fire fighters, police or paramedics. They will often look for this information."

All Nova Scotians are encouraged to have items on hand that would be useful in an emergency. These include a flashlight and extra batteries, a battery-operated radio, a first-aid kit, a manual can opener, bottled water and non-perishable food that doesn't have to be cooked.

Seniors are encouraged to have a few extra things on hand, such as extra blankets, groceries and medication. A loss of power can mean loss of heat. Seniors, who are often cold, will need extra blankets to stay comfortable.

Seniors who take medications should not let their supply run low

• at least a week's supply is ordinarily recommended. However, severe weather -- either intense summer heat or a winter storm -- can prevent seniors from leaving their home to get food and other necessities, like medication. When a holiday is combined with this kind of weather, seniors may find themselves running low or running out of medication. During the winter and Christmas holidays, seniors should keep a month's supply of medication.

Ken Peach is a senior who lives in Northwood, a senior's complex in Halifax. Mr. Peach feels he's prepared in case of an emergency but gives a lot of credit to Northwood for its services and resources. While he lives in the independent apartment tower, he benefits from the support of Northwood's staff. Mr. Peach has sleep apnea and depends on a breathing machine while he's sleeping. If the power goes out, his machine doesn't work.

"They know I have the machine so if the power goes out they come check on me," he said.

Mr. Peach said that his friends who live independently outside of a facility aren't quite as prepared. Being ready in the event of an emergency isn't the challenge, it's knowing what to do to become prepared.

Ms. Naugler suggests that seniors take a look around their home and ask themselves a few questions. Could I survive for a few days without power, based on what's in my kitchen now? Do I have enough medication to last another week or month? Do I have bottled water to take that medication? Do I have blankets nearby to keep me warm? Do I have a flashlight and battery-operated radio so I can see and hear what is happening? Does anybody know I'm here alone?

"Being prepared for an emergency doesn't take a lot of time or money," said Ms. Naugler. "It takes only a few extra minutes to look around your home and be aware of your needs. But it's a few extra minutes that could make a big difference."

Emergency Preparedness Week takes place May 6-12 with participation from every province and territory. This year's theme is Keeping Canada Safe - Emergency Preparedness Begins with YOU. For more information on being prepared, visit the Nova Scotia Emergency Measures Organization's Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/emo/ .