Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: Evacuation plan

If you’re a caregiver, knowing how to evacuate a loved one or how a loved one can take shelter during an emergency may not be as easy as just stepping out a door, or crawling out a window, especially if your loved one has mobility challenges and physical issues. It is important for a caregiver to have a safety plan.

Once a safety plan has been created, it is wise to rehearse it, making sure that there are no other problems that arise during an emergency. It’s also a good idea to discuss a finalized evacuation plan with other family members who may not live with you, as well as with neighbors, friends, and any other personal care attendants that may be a part of the in-home caregiving team. Talk about the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes and other emergencies. This way, people, other than the caregiver, will know where to locate a loved one in a timely manner. When devising your in-home, emergency preparedness plan, a good resource is your local chapter of the Red Cross. They can tell you what kind of natural disasters occur in your area, how to prepare for each, and how you will be warned of an emergency. Also, many communities extend special assistance to those who have mobility problems by registering these people with a local fire department or emergency management office.

If you are a caregiver who works outside the home, ask your supervisor about any emergency plans that may be in effect at your workplace. For example, some places will not allow employees to leave for home until an “all clear” has been given by local authorities, so caregivers need to take a policy like this into consideration when creating an at-home safety plan for a loved one.

Also, if you currently use a companion from an agency, find out whether the agency has special provisions during an emergency; will they continue to provide care and services at another location if your loved one needs to be evacuated?

If your loved one lives on their own in an apartment complex, be sure to ask the building’s management to identify and mark all accessible exits. It’s also a good idea to arrange for a relative or neighbor to check on your loved one. All emergency phone numbers should be posted near telephones and/or kept in wallets or pocket books.

If you are at home when a disaster strikes, know how to quickly access and turn off the water, gas, and electricity at main valves or switches. If your loved one is able to do so, it is a good idea that they also know how to turn these things off as well, should they be home by themselves when disaster strikes.

Preparing a disaster supply kit is a definite must when you are caring for a loved one whose life may depend upon certain medications and other such items.

Emergency Care List

A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.

A first-aid kit, prescription medicines, and an extra pair of glasses.

A supply of water (one gallon per person per day); store water in sealed, unbreakable containers and replace every six months; a supply of non-perishable food and a non-electric can opener, plus any special foods your loved one may require.

Include extra products like adult diapers, wipes, lotion, and other hygiene items that don’t need water in order to use.

Have extra wheelchair batteries charged and ready to go.

Have on-hand full oxygen tanks, extra medications, catheters, food for guide or service dogs, and any other special equipment needed.

A change of clothing and rain gear for your loved one, and sturdy shoes for you.

Extra blankets or sleeping bags.

The list of family physicians, relatives or friends who should be notified if you or your loved one are injured.

A list of the style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers or special batteries for essential medical equipment.

An extra set of car keys.

During a disaster, anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is considered to be an added hazard. Before an emergency situation happens, it’s a good idea to go around your home and look specifically for items that might pose a danger to you and your loved one during a disaster. Make sure that shelving is securely fastened to the walls, and that any large, heavy objects are placed on lower shelves or on the floor. Also, hang pictures and mirrors away from beds; larger pictures or mirrors should be bolted to the wall.

Observe electrical wiring around your home, and repair any wires found to be defective or hazardous. Have a shut-off valve or switch for oxygen equipment near your loved one’s bed or chair, so they (or you) can turn it off quickly if there is a fire. It’s a good idea to secure your water heater by strapping it to a nearby wall in order to keep it from falling over during a disaster. Repair cracks found in the ceilings or foundation and brace any overhead light fixtures. If you have a chimney, have a professional inspect it for any cracks or weak spots, and have the appropriate repairs made. Invest in fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.

While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage. This is where the Jewish Pavilion, a 501c3 non-profit, steps in. The Pavilion serves as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs. http://www.JewishPavilion.org

The Orlando Senior Help Desk (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. http://www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org.