Are you and those in your care ready for an emergency such as a flood, wildfire, earthquake, or power outage? Is there an emergency plan and an emergency kit ready to allow each person in the home to be self-sufficient for at least three days? Emergency Preparedness Week is May 5 to 11 in 2024 and is a great time to learn about getting prepared for emergencies.
According to the Canadian Red Cross, older adults are most at risk during emergencies. They may not hear alerts, feel confused by what it means for them, or be unprepared with the necessary provisions while they wait for help.
Often natural disasters or emergencies happen without warning so it’s critical to have a plan in place before an emergency happens. The Red Cross recommends three considerations in emergency preparedness: know the risks, make a plan and assemble an emergency kit.
1. Know the Risks in Your Community
Every community faces its own set of risks. Check with your local government for any tip sheets on dealing with emerging conditions, such as extreme heat, wildfires, earthquakes and more. Many have local web pages dedicated to the topic and are easy to access when planning for your specific area.
Consider each person in the household and how weather-related events may affect them.
- Food supply may be impacted.
- Frail or disabled people may not be able to shop or attend appointments.
- Medical services may be interrupted.
- Housing may be poorly insulated, have poor windows, be close to a river or high water table, have a long driveway or walk to clear, or other risky conditions.
- Housing may have unsafe primary or auxiliary heating, such as an open gas oven, or a propane barbecue or lantern.
- Cognitive impairment or a substance use disorder may affect the person’s ability to understand the negative effects of cold weather, inadequate housing, or other adverse conditions.
- Medical and assistive devices often require electricity, such as refrigeration for medication or battery charging for mobility or speech aids. Plan for a backup battery or a generator for necessary devices, especially if they have short battery lives.
2. Make an Emergency Plan
Here are some tips on things to include in an emergency plan:
- The Weather Network sends alerts of wind, rain, heat warnings, wildfires, snow storms and flood warnings to subscribers at no cost. Most BC community radio stations issue emergency alerts, too.
- Use the Prepared BC hazard map to see what emergencies could happen near you.
- Local housing alerts. If the senior is in seniors’ community housing, for example, the building’s management likely has an emergency plan in place.
- List everything the person might need to sustain them for three days, plus something to occupy them such a book, knitting, or another personal interest.
- Community service alerts. Your community may have additional reports such as the availability of hot meal programs, warming shelters, food delivery for shut-ins or other services. These are usually coordinated by local community agencies or faith communities. Local CRNs are good sources of information.
- Build a support network. Contact and list community support workers, neighbours, family members and other people who can be relied upon to assist in an emergency. This includes professionals such as the physician, pharmacist and insurance broker who provide services to the individual.
- Create an emergency contact list. This will include the support network, but also family members, physicians, veterinarians, utility services, fire and ambulance, and so on.
- Plan when to stay and when to leave. Evacuation is only one option, so decide what would trigger that action and who makes that decision.
3. Build an Emergency Preparedness Kit
Build an emergency kit of essentials in a lightweight bag or backpack. Hopefully, a support person will be there to carry it for them, but they may have to carry it themselves, so start with the essentials, such as medications and contact lists. Things to include:
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Medical devices and batteries or chargers (don’t forget hearing aid batteries)
- Extra prescription or reading glasses
- The emergency plan with personal contacts and community resources
- Important documents, including a BC Services Card, social insurance number, permanent residence card, status card, financial and credit accounts and a personal will
- Cell phone and power bank
- Portable radio
- Small first aid kit (bandaids, alcohol wipes, antibiotic cream)
- Lightweight, nourishing food such as protein bars and dried fruit; self-opening tins for canned food
- Drinking water
- Emergency blanket
- Disposable hand warmers
- Small pad of paper and a pen
- Flashlight and batteries
- Whistle
- Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
- Pet food
4. Seasonal Preparation for Safety
Every season brings its own set of challenges. Previous BC CRN posts provide updates on:
- Wildfire and Air Quality Tips
- Extreme Hot Weather Tips
Tips for Caregivers and Support Persons
A gentle reminder that no two people are alike. You may have to assist the vulnerable adult in making decisions such as evacuating their home, leaving the street and entering a warming or cooling centre, or leaving a beloved pet in another person’s care. When dealing with a person with dementia, active mental health issues, or a physical or cognitive disability, you may have to provide additional emotional or physical support.
Hopefully, the person has an emergency plan that spells out your role and their wishes for the next steps. If not, some negotiation may take place. Be sure to communicate clearly, allowing for any cognitive or hearing impairment or other challenges that may affect communication. If you take the person to a service provider, be sure to let them know the person’s needs.
Many of these tips were summarized from the Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults guide. You can download a copy here, watch a short video and access helpful resources to assist with risk assessment and developing an emergency plan.
The Province of BC Emergency Preparedness Week (May 5–11) website also has great resources where you can learn more, sign up for a webinar and enter to win an emergency kit!
Explore our website to learn more about BC CRN or connect with your local CRN for more information or resources.
