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Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and community members in their golden years often face unique challenges during disasters. Whether it’s a power outage, wildfire, or severe weather, preparing ahead can make a significant difference. Here are key steps to ensure safety and readiness for seniors.
Create a Personal Support Network
- Identify Helpers: Build a network of friends, family, or neighbors who can assist you in an emergency. Share your emergency plan and ensure they know where your supplies are located.
- Emergency Contact Information: Keep a list of emergency contacts in your phone, wallet, and emergency kit. Make sure it includes family members, the healthcare team, and anyone in your support network.
Build a Comprehensive Emergency Kit
- Include essential supplies tailored to your needs, such as:
- A week’s supply of prescription medications and a list of your dosages.
- Copies of your key medical history, insurance information, and identification.
- Extra eyeglasses, hearing aids, and batteries.
- Mobility aids, such as a walker, cane, or wheelchair.
- Non-perishable food, bottled water, a flashlight, and a portable phone charger.
Plan for Medical Needs
- Medical Equipment: If you use equipment that relies on electricity, like oxygen or CPAP machines, work with PGE beforehand and join their Medical Certificate program. Consider a generator or battery-powered devices.
- Dialysis or Required Medical Treatments: Know the location of alternate treatment centers if your regular facility is unavailable.
- Medical Alert: Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace to inform responders about conditions like diabetes, heart issues, or allergies.
Develop an Evacuation Plan
- Transportation: Arrange for accessible transportation in case of evacuation. If you rely on public or para-transit services, confirm their procedures for emergencies.
- Sheltering Options: If you need to evacuate, plan to stay with family, friends, or at a shelter that accommodates older adults or individuals with special needs.
Maintain Communication Tools
- Emergency Cards: Carry a health information card that lists medications, medical conditions, allergies, and emergency contacts.
- Weather Alerts: Keep a battery-powered weather radio for updates, especially during power outages.
- Power your Devices: Make sure you have an extra power cord for important electronics, and a power bank if accessible.
Stay Informed
- Be cautious of scams following a disaster. Work only with trusted organizations and verify the credentials of anyone offering assistance.
- Emergencies can be overwhelming, but preparation empowers you to act confidently. For more tips, visit Ready.gov.
- The City of Tigard uses the CodeRED system to notify the community of safety or property issues. Sign up for local weather alerts and emergency notifications!
Tigard CERT Inc. is a local non-profit organization allied with the City of Tigard that trains volunteers in basic emergency response and organizational skills following the Federal Emergency Management Agency model and guidelines for local Community Emergency Response Teams. For more information about Tigard CERT, please visit www.tigard-or.gov/your-government/departments/public-works/emergency-management.
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