Are you wondering how to prepare the elderly for a natural disaster or emergency? Have a plan in place to make sure that your senior is ready in case disaster strikes.

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, affect thousands of people each year. In addition to a supply of food, water and a first aid kit, there are some additional precautions to take when preparing a senior citizen for a natural disaster or emergency. Before an emergency, have a plan in place to make sure that your senior is ready in case disaster strikes.

Are you wondering how to prepare an elderly loved one for a natural disaster? Here are some tips for planning a successful evacuation from a hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, or a fire:

• If your aging loved one has mobility problems and is in a wheelchair, have a plan in place for how he or she will evacuate.
• The hearing impaired will need to keep extra batteries on hand for hearing aids. Put spare batteries with an emergency supply kit as well as in his or her nightstand or bedside table.
• Ask your senior’s doctor about stocking up on a week’s supply of his or her prescription medications. Plus, make a copy of all prescriptions and keep this list on-hand.
• Make duplicate copies of important documents, like a driver’s license, social security card, passport, will, and insurance information. Keep copies in a safety deposit box or with someone that you trust.
• Exchange important keys with your aging loved one.
• Identify two ways to escape from every room in your aging senior’s home and practice this escape plan with him or her at least two times a year.
• If your aging loved one has a pet, keep a list of pet-friendly hotels and veterinarians that are along the evacuation route.

Take steps now to help your aging loved one prepare for an emergency evacuation. By taking these steps beforehand, you can make sure that you’ve done everything you can to protect your loved ones if disaster strikes.