Older Adults and Planning Ahead for Severe Weather

Preparing for a severe weather event such as a tornado can be especially important for older adults with special needs such as medications, walkers and wheelchairs, said Gina Peek, assistant director, Oklahoma State University Extension/Family Consumer Science program leader and associate dean for Extension and Engagement in the College of Education and Human Sciences.

 

“Emergency plans must address any unique needs of each person; for older adults, that means taking into account their strength and mobility,” she said. “Don’t forget to include special items such as extra glasses, assistive devices, oxygen, hearing aids and extra batteries for those devices.”

 

Item recommendations when creating a tornado-related emergency kit are available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. For older adults, copies of important documents such as medical insurance, Medicare and Medicaid cards, wills and power of attorney – all in a waterproof container – should be included as well.

 

Since an emergency kit can be larger and heavier than a travel bag, older adults – and even some younger individuals – may find it difficult to transport. Determine who might have issues with that task ahead of time. One option is to prepare two kits: one for sheltering at home during emergencies and a smaller, lighter bag that is easier to maneuver in case an individual has to take cover outside the home.

 

“As you’re thinking about what to put an emergency kit, also consider the type of container to use to collect all the supplies,” Peek said. “For instance, people with arthritis may choose a case with wheels instead of a large plastic tote with handles.”

 

Emergency kits should be stored in a space that is quick and easy to access. High shelves or at the back of a crowded closet are not good options.

 

Mobility issues should be identified before severe weather, with an emphasis given to specific situations. Some of these include:

• Maneuvering down steps to a basement, cellar or other ground shelter.
• Getting out of the house and in and out of an automobile if traveling to a community shelter. The same is true if going to a nearby neighbor’s home.
• If mobility assistance is required, how long will it take someone to arrive and help? Identifying multiple people to assist is a good idea.

 

Make sure to keep communications lines open. The National Weather Service and some local news stations offer the option of signing up to receive weather alerts on smartphones and through various social media platforms. This can be especially important for older adults with mobility or other medical issues.