When a disaster strikes, life can change in an instant. Here are 15 essential items to include when making an emergency preparedness kit for a senior.
In an emergency, the life of your family can change in an instant. There are some precautions you need to take to prepare your family, including elderly loved ones, for a disaster. If you have an elderly loved one living with you or have an aging relative who lives alone, it’s important to make an emergency preparedness kit.
If you’re making an emergency kit for a senior in your life, include these items:
- First aid kit
- Three day supply of water
- Three day supply of non-perishable food
- Food and water for any pets
- Cash and coins
- Cell phone and charger
- Manual can opener
- Candles and matches
- Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Toilet paper and moist towlettes
- Blankets
- Multi-purpose tool, like a Swiss army knife
- Cell phone with charger
- Extra set of car and house keys
In addition to putting these supplies together, it’s important to check on them to take sure they are safe and ready to use when needed. Here are some tips to keep these emergency kit supplies well-maintained:
- Keep canned foods in a cool, dry place
- Write the date on all containers that you store, replacing outdated supplies with fresh ones
- Keep all items in airtight plastic bags
- Replace any extra batteries that appear to be corroded
Being prepared before disaster strikes makes sense for seniors. By evaluating his or her needs and making an emergency preparedness kit that fits these needs, your loved one can be better prepared for an unforeseeable disaster.