by Michele Johnson
Taking the time to prepare an emergency kit is essential and those with limitations need to be organized and ready for unexpected situations. It is important to have a plan in place before a disaster, including any event that interrupts regular daily activity.
There are several steps necessary to build a solid plan and prepare an emergency kit.
Tips to Prepare an Emergency Kit
- assess abilities and conditions
- create a plan and a kit
- maintain and update necessary changes on a regular schedule
If one of your family members is unable to form their own plan assemble lists of what is needed and do this for them, another option is ask for help from a care manager.
Assessing your abilities and types of situations that can arise where you live is the best place to start. This will act as a guide in setting up the plan; flooding, earthquakes and fire are all have different evacuation methods and emergency responders may be delayed in reaching you. For those who are in wheelchairs and cannot walk without assistance it is essential to have clear instructions on what steps to take in emergencies. Knowing what to do ahead of time and practicing is beneficial for all family members.
Creating a personal support network is the next step, a group of people who can communicate and commit to checking in when a situation develops. Family members, neighbors, and care providers are who you want in the network. Meet with the support network to make a plan, keep important phone numbers posted near the phone and in your kit, also be sure that everyone is informed when you are traveling and will be away from home. Part of the communication plan should include a location to connect when phone services are out. Establish two places to meet, one in the neighborhood and another out of the area in case you’ve been required to evacuate.
Once the support network is finalized it is time to put together the emergency kit. Start with supplies to sustain you and include medications. Click on the link in this sentence for a complete list of supplies for two types of kits. Store the items in a backpack or duffle bag, something that is easy to carry. Bags that have wheels are helpful which will make transporting a little easier. Label the kit with your name, address and phone number; include labels on medical equipment as well (walkers, wheelchairs).
Additional things to include:
- Copies of personal documents (medicine list, pertinent medical information, birth certificate, insurance policy, deed to home, and personal support network contacts)
- Whistle
- Extra keys to house and car
- If living in a colder climate, considerations include: jacket, long pants and long sleeve shirts, hats, mittens, a warm blanket and sturdy shoes.
Maintaining your emergency kit an essential part of staying prepared and every 6 months it should be reviewed and updated. Current phone numbers and medications changes should be checked. Remember to maintain kits for family members that are not able to do so themselves. Having an unexpected event surprise us doesn’t mean we can’t be ready and confident our loved ones are prepared and protected.