As hurricanes wreak havoc in the south and New Englanders begin to think of winter storms ahead, October is a good time to consider emergency home safety. Every day some part of the country is affected by an emergency: ice storms, flooding, blackouts, fires, tornadoes and the like. Would you and your older loved ones be prepared for such an occurrence?

The rule of thumb for emergency events is to be prepared enough to be self-sufficient for three days. If roads are closed, stores are inaccessible, and power is out you will need to stay in your home and rely on supplies and emergency plans you have put in place. For the elderly with physical limitations, it is even more important to have a plan.

One west coast emergency preparedness coalition for seniors and people with disabilities has published an extensive checklist of the most important things to have in place. Included are:

* Bottled water for three days (a gallon per person per day)
* A week's supply of prescription medications
* Battery operated radio
* Flashlights (one by the bed, others around the house)
* Non-perishable foods (canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, crackers)
* Manual can opener
* Extra blankets
* First aid kit
* Pet food and extra water for pets
* Extra batteries for flashlights, hearing aids, radio and smoke detectors

A key element for ensuring safety for seniors during an emergency is to have in place a communication net or buddy system. A list of essential phone contacts should include family members, local friends and neighbors, primary physician, and homeowners insurance agent. Keep all emergency phone numbers by the telephone.

Emergency assistance planners advise you to know where your main valves and switches are located for gas, water and electricity in the event they need to be turned off for evacuation. They also stress that people do not rely on candles for a light source. The dim flickering light they provide is not enough for elders with poor vision, and the chance of fire from a tumbled candle is not worth the risk.

Emergencies are unusual events that call for heightened safety awareness, yet for the fortunate they are few and far between. Daily home safety awareness should be ongoing, especially as we age. Remember some of the basics for keeping your home safe everyday:

• Install bathroom grab bars
• Upgrade dim lighting to brighter levels
• Avoid throw rugs or use only the non-skid type
• Keep extension cords and clutter out of walking areas
• Use a telephone with an enlarged and lighted dial pad
• Change the batteries in your smoke alarms
• Install nightlights between bedrooms and bathrooms
• Post a list of all important contact numbers in a prominent place where you or a helper can find it.

  These are small things, but any one of them could be the one to save your life.

RESOURCES

Senior Help-Line (800-642-5119)

preparenow.org (for tips on emergency preparedness)

elderstore.com (a source for home safety aids)

Home Safety Program (802-674-6726) Coordinator Eileen Ketchum helps elders in Windsor County reduce safety risks in the home.

RSVP for southern Windsor County (885-2083) has resource materials for emergency preparedness.

 

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