Planning for Seniors

Planning

Plan for family, friends, and neighbours to check on each other after an emergency, (telephones may not be working, so this should be arranged between people who live near one another)
Keep a list of your medicines, allergies, and your special equipment. Include the name, address, and telephone number of your doctor, pharmacist, family members, clergy, or special friends. Take this list with you if you must leave home after an emergency.
Falling objects pose one of the greatest hazards in an earthquake. Seniors may not be able to quickly get under a table or desk for protection. Get rid of hazards in the home that could fall and cause injury. If you cannot do these things yourself, ask a friend or family member for help.
Keep a 72-hour supply of emergency food and water. Have a well-stocked first-aid kit, an extra pair of glasses, flashlight and batteries, portable radio, and essential medicine.

Special Needs
Many seniors have special needs. Taking the following actions can increase your chances of safely riding out an earthquake.

If your life support equipment requires electricity, buy an emergency generator. It is important to know how to properly operate and fuel your equipment.
If you use oxygen, have someone secure the tank to prevent it from tipping. If you use a wheelchair or walking aids, keep them near you at all times. If possible, have extra walking aids in different places in your home.
Place a battery-operated night light in each room. In a power outage, they will stay on four to six hours.
Have a whistle or horn to signal for help.
If you use battery-operated equipment, store extra batteries and replace them when the shelf life is reached.

Protect Yourself

Have a whistle or horn to signal for help.
If you use battery-operated equipment, store extra batteries and replace them when the shelf life is reached.

To help you know what to do when the shaking starts consult the During an Emergency section.

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