Seniors can live quite comfortably and safely at home. But, it’s a good idea to make sure that your mom or dad is prepared for emergencies if they’re going to live on their own. Severe weather, house wires, power outages, and other emergencies can put seniors in danger if they’re not prepared. Your senior mom or dad should have elder care services if they’re living alone. If your mom or dad has an elder care provider that visits regularly they are more likely to be prepared for an emergency.
An elder care provider can help make sure that your senior parent has taken precautions like:
Create an Emergency Kit
Every home should have an emergency kit, and your senior mom or dad must have one. Your parent should have a kit that includes basic supplies like bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
Make sure there are enough supplies to last at least three days. For seniors with medical needs, include extra medications, medical supplies (like blood sugar testing kits or oxygen), and a list of any prescriptions. Having an emergency kit ready will help your mom or dad be safe during a power outage or disaster without scrambling to find necessary items.
Set Up a Communication Plan
During an emergency, staying connected with family and emergency services may be difficult. Help your mom or dad create a communication plan. It’s a smart idea to write out a list of emergency contacts including yourself, EMS, your senior parent’s doctor, and other contacts, and place it in your mom or dad’s emergency kit.
Often in a disaster cell service or landlines go out. You should consider getting a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates on the weather or news. It’s also helpful to have a backup phone charger, like a solar charger or a power bank, so your parent can keep their phone charged during a power outage.
Prepare for Power Outages
Power outages can be dangerous for seniors, especially if they rely on medical devices like oxygen machines or refrigerated medications.
If your mom or dad has a caregiver, then having a portable generator may be a good option if the caregiver knows how to run it. If a generator isn’t an option, find out if local shelters or hospitals offer support during extended outages. Also, have extra blankets and warm clothes available in case the power goes out in cold weather.
Create an Evacuation Plan
In some emergencies, your parent may need to leave home quickly. This could be due to a fire, flood, or other natural disaster. Help your parent create an evacuation plan that takes into account your parent’s mobility.
Remember that they may need extra time to get out of the house safely. Make sure your mom or dad knows how to get out of the house safely if they need to. Practicing the evacuation plan can help your parent feel more confident and prepared.
Stay Informed About Local Risks
Different areas face different risks, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or winter storms. Sign up for local emergency alerts, which can provide warnings about severe weather, evacuation orders, or other hazards. You can also turn on smartphone alerts that will let your mom or dad if there is an emergency.