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Electricity Emergency Preparedness for Senior Citizens and Their Caretakers

James

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7-30-19

Power outages aren’t very common, but when they do happen in your community, do you know what to do?

Preparing for power outage emergencies won’t be as easy as getting a 72-hour emergency kit ready—especially if you are elderly or are caring for someone who is.

Here are a few things that may help you ensure your safety or of the elderly in your care.

IDENTIFY THE RISKS

Knowing what you're up against is a big step toward being prepared.

Was your outage caused by a natural disaster or something else?

WHAT CAUSED THE POWER OUTAGE?

  • Natural disaster.
  • Accidents leading to power failure.

WHAT ARE THE IMMEDIATE RISKS?

  • Do you live alone?
  • Do you drive or own a car?
  • Do you have any physical, medical, thinking or learning limitations?
    • Smell.
    • Hearing.
    • Mobility.
    • Vision.
    • Communication.
  • Are you reliant upon any medical equipment or assistive technologies?
  • Are you reliant upon a caregiver?

HOW WILL THE POWER OUTAGE IMPACT YOU OR THEM IN THE NEXT 72 HOURS?

Below you’ll find helpful checklists for when there’s a power outage in your area—covering different scenarios and circumstances.

CREATE YOUR PERSONAL SUPPORT NETWORK (FAMILY, NEIGHBORS, AND FRIENDS) AHEAD OF TIME

  • Get your family, neighbors and friends to assist during a power outage.
  • Get your family, neighbors and friends to assist during a power outage.
  • Call your local emergency management office.
    • Ask what their emergency plans are and how they can assist you.
    • Ask for their list of contacts and of the numbers of nearby health care facilities—keep these numbers close.

Make sure you have a supply of your medications handy.

GATHER ALL RELEVANT MEDICAL INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS FOR EASY ACCESS

  • Prepare medical alert tags or bracelets to wear during the emergency.
  • Prepare medical alert tags or bracelets to wear during the emergency.
    • Outline your needs. This is in case you will be moved to a facility so first responders will be informed on the type of help you need.
    • Prepare your medical documents and records so medical personnel will be to see to your medical needs.
    • Prepare a list of your medication.
  • State the best way to communicate with you. This is important especially if you or the person in your care needs to be brought to a facility that is unfamiliar with your needs.

It's helpful to keep batteries on hand in case of outages.

PREP A 72-HOUR EMERGENCY KIT

  • Use battery operated flashlights and lanterns. DO NOT USE CANDLES.
  • Unplug all major appliances so they won’t be damaged by the electrical surge when the power is restored.
  • Store your supplies in a container that has wheels.
  • Label your emergency medical supplies with large print text or Braille.
  • Label your equipment and assistive devices, like wheelchairs, canes or walkers, with your name, address and phone numbers.
  • Get ice or frozen cold packs in a small ice chest to store your medicines in.
  • Keep your emergency contact list close and contact them as soon as you can.
  • Pack plenty of batteries and power banks for your assistive devices.
  • Pack plenty of lighting resources like flashlights and lamps (if you have a power generator, even better!).
  • Prepare food and water supplies for up to 72 hours.
  • Ready blankets and extra clothing for warmth.
  • Set aside extra money, as well as the documents you’ll need to secure social security and other regular benefits.
  • Don’t forget to prepare emergency kits for your pets/service animals

HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND/OR ASSISTIVE EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

  • Prepare batteries or alternate sources of power that will sustain you and your medical equipment/assistive technology for the next 72 hours.
  • If you have a hearing disability, prepare a TTY (or Text Telephone), or extra batteries for your assistive devices.
  • Contact your doctor or health care provider and ask for nearby alternatives you can relocate to for help during a power outage.
  • Use portable generators cautiously.
    • Make sure you operate them outdoors, in a well-ventilated area.
    • Do not connect your generator to your home’s electrical system (unless using an approved transfer switch that is compliant with your local electrical code).

ALTERNATE COMMUNICATION OPTIONS CHECKLIST

  • Prepare cards with phrases, pictures, or pictograms for communication, so your support network or first responders can communicate with you.
  • If you are visually impaired, or care for one:
    • Prepare Braille or text communication cards for communication.
    • Label your emergency supplies with Braille or large print texts

SCHEDULED TREATMENTS/THERAPEUTIC CARE ALTERNATIVES CHECKLIST

If you or the senior citizen in your care requires regular medical treatments like dialysis, or other procedures, call your clinic or hospital to.

  • Ask about their emergency plans and processes and how they can help you during the crisis.
  • Ask for their back-up medical treatment providers close to your location.

When a storm threatens, make sure you've got a full tank of gasoline.

MOBILITY AND MOVEMENT CHECKLIST

  • Prepare extra battery packs if you or the person in your care uses a power wheelchair.
  • Prepare an extra manual mobility aid like a cane, walker, or manual wheelchair as your alternative for moving around.
  • Store your supplies in one or more easy-to-carry containers, such as a backpack or a duffel bag.
  • Plan and prepare your transportation options, in case you need to move to a clinic or hospital for care and assistance during the emergency.
  • If you have a personal vehicle, keep your gas tank full.

A little planning can go a long way to making sure you or the person in your care is safe and taken care of. Keep to this list and don’t worry: you’ll find that there will always be people to help you during emergencies.

SOURCES

  • Preparedness information for people with disabilities.American Public Health Association.
  • Disaster Planning For Older AdultsInsurance Information Institute.
  • Emergency Preparedness Tips for Senior CitizensSenior Citizen’s Guide.
  • Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by SeniorsAmerican Red Cross.
  • The Importance of a Personal Support NetworkAmerican Red Cross.
  • Power OutagesReady.gov