The american Red Cross has some excellent recommendations for seniors and people with disabilities that will help when preparing for a disaster. South Florida is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms and we also have a dense population of seniors in our South Florida area. It’s important to have a good plan in place in the event a storm or other disaster threatens our area. If you know of a senior or person that may need additional assistance offer to help of put them in touch with the right local resources and share this information with them so they can have a plan of action.
Here are some questions to ask yourself.
- Where will you, your family, your friends or personal care attendants be when an emergency or disaster strikes? You, and those you care about, could be anywhere – at home, work, school or in transit.
- How will you find each other? Will you know your loved ones will be safe? Emergencies and disasters can strike quickly and without warning and can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home.
- What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones – were cut off?
- Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.
You are in the best position to plan for your own safety as you are best able to know your functional abilities and possible needs during
and after an emergency or disaster situation. You can cope with disaster by preparing in advance with your family and care attendants. You will need to create a personal support network and complete a personal assessment. You will also need to follow the four preparedness steps listed in the booklet link below.
- Get informed
- Make a plan
- Assemble a kit
- Maintain your plan and kit
Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.
