Be Prepared for Anything: September is National Preparedness Month

Emergency preparedness is a great goal for everyone which is why we’re focusing on National Preparedness Month in September. Now is the perfect time to ensure your plans are in place for an unexpected emergency so that if something were to happen you are not taken off guard.

As a caregiver, these preparations may look a bit different than the steps that you would take for yourself. Here is our guide to make sure the senior in your life is prepared for anything:

Step 1: Stock Up on Medical Supplies

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything it is that you never know when you may be stuck at home. If you are unable to get to the store, what medical supplies will you need to ensure that important medications are not missed? You should keep a week of medication on hand as well as a list of all brand-name and generic medication that is required. You can keep this with a copy of your insurance information so that you can grab it in a pinch.

Don’t forget about other medical supplies! Be sure to keep an extra hearing aid battery on hand, backup blood sugar monitoring equipment, and anything else that may be specific to your unique situation.

Step 2: Build a Disaster Kit

Besides the medical supplies that you gathered in step 1, your disaster kit should include a range of other basic supplies you may need in case of an emergency. This may include, but is not limited to:

• A 3 day supply of water (1 gallon per person, per day)
• Non-perishable food
• Blankets
• A first aid kit
• Basic supplies including radio, flashlight, lighter, can opener, cell phone charger, and emergency whistle
  
  

Step 3: Create a Disaster Plan

In case of an emergency, who are you going to call? Unless the disaster involves the supernatural, the answer probably isn’t the ghostbusters.



Be sure to clearly determine a list of important phone numbers in case you lose access to your cell phone. You should also identify a safe meeting zone with everyone in your household in case an evacuation is necessary.

By following these easy steps, the aging adult in your life will be prepared for anything. We hope that you will never need to break out the plan you have set forth today but it is always to be over-prepared than caught off guard.