September is National Preparedness Month and a time when we all need to update our preparedness plans, our 72-hour emergency kit and our first aid/CPR/AED training.
Planning ahead for emergencies is important, especially for seniors and those with special needs.
The American Red Cross recommends that senior citizens and people with special needs create a personal support network made up of several people who will check on you in an emergency, to ensure your wellness and to give assistance if needed. This network can consist of friends, roommates, family members, relatives, personal attendants, co-workers and neighbors. Ideally, a minimum of three people can be identified at each location where you regularly spend time – for example at work, home, school or volunteer site.
Creating a personal support network is not a difficult task, and there are plenty of resources to help you figure out what is right for you. You can visit the Red Cross website or sites for our partners like AARP, AAA and your local health department to get useful information that will lead to a safer and more secure life.
This list has important things to consider when developing or implementing a personal support network.
Make arrangements, before an emergency, for your support network to immediately check on you after a disaster and, if needed, offer assistance.
Exchange important keys so that people in your network can gain access to you when needed.
Show the people in your network where you keep emergency supplies, especially medication you take regularly.
Share copies of your relevant emergency documents, evacuation plans and emergency health information card.
Agree on and practice methods for contacting each other in an emergency. Do not count on the telephones working. If you have a cellphone, learn how to send a text to those in your network. Texting will often work while voice modes are out of service or overloaded.
You and your personal support network should always notify each other when you are going out of town and when you will return.
The relationship should be mutual. You have a lot to contribute. Learn about each other’s needs and how to help each other in an emergency. You might take responsibility for food supplies and preparation, organizing neighborhood watch meetings and interpreting, among other things.
You and the people in your network should be trained in CPR. At a minimum, learn the hands-only CPR methods. The Red Cross has a two-minute video that can get you started.
Enroll in emergency notification capabilities with your city or county. Register your cellphone with 911.
Consider subscribing to Lifeline. The Lifeline service can give you access to help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the push of a button.
Colleen Johnson is executive director of the Southwest Colorado chapter of the American Red Cross. Reach her at 259-6642.
