Do You Have a Home Disaster Plan?

Disaster preparedness for seniors at homeIn the event of a disaster, your household could be without water, gas, electricity and telephone for at least 24-72 hours. For older adults in particular, who may be more vulnerable or have limited mobility, it is especially important to stock your home with emergency supplies and to have a home disaster plan in place so you and your family can remain safe.

Use the checklist below to create a home disaster plan and ensure that your home is prepped for any emergency that could arise.

Home Disaster Plan Checklist

Things You and Your Family Can Do

  • Create an emergency communication plan.
  • Keep important phone numbers in a readily available place.
  • Keep important documentation in a plastic container, including an inventory of household goods, important telephone numbers, bank information and emergency contacts.
  • Establish a meeting place.

Emergency Supplies

  • Keep these supplies in a secure location at home:
  • First aid kit
  • Flash light with batteries and extra batteries
  • Water – at least a three day supply per person (1 gallon per person per day)
  • Non-perishable food – at least a three day supply
  • Knife or scissors
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Battery operated radio. In the event of a disaster, turn on radio for further instructions and information.

Assemble a home disaster supplies kit, which might include:

  • First aid supplies
  • Prescription medications
  • Insulin
  • Change of clothes
  • Sleeping bag
  • Battery operated radio
  • Bottled water
  • Tools
  • Whistle
  • Mess kit
  • Money
  • Tape
  • Matches
  • Signal flare
  • Shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water
  • Sanitation supplies
  • Toilet paper
  • Bleach

 

Creating a home disaster plan will provide you and your loved ones with the right tools if you should ever need them in an emergency, and in the meantime will give you peace of mind.

With any questions about creating your home disaster plan, or with any questions related to aging and senior care, call our free information line at 415-449-3700 or contact us online.