Does the thought of a natural disaster leave you feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone. Facing emergencies and disasters is stressful for anyone. But here's the good news: with a little preparation, you can feel more confident and secure. Presidio Home Care is here to help you navigate the steps of emergency preparedness, giving you peace of mind before, during and after an emergency or disaster.
Step 1: Gathering information
Feeling unsure about how to prepare for emergencies? Don't worry! The first step is gathering information, specifically about the natural disasters most likely to strike in your area. Knowing this will help create a more tailored plan about which emergencies will require evacuation or sheltering-in-place, what you’ll need for your emergency kit, building a support network, transportation planning and more. For the state of California, the most common are earthquakes, wildfires, flooding and landslides.
Learn About Community Response Plans
This may take a bit more effort, but it’s critical that you and your family are aware of local plans for emergencies and resources. For example, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides a local search page, where you can access information about past declared disasters, emergency response resources, and recovery centers specific to your area.
Make Sure to Sign Up for Alerts & Warnings in Your Area
Whether it’s keeping a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station, monitoring TV coverage, or downloading the FEMA app to get weather alerts from the National Weather service, staying in the know is key. Don't forget about social media — many local governments and emergency management agencies use platforms like X (Twitter) and Facebook to share updates during disasters. By having multiple ways to receive alerts, you'll stay informed even if power outages disrupt traditional communication channels.
Step 2: Make a Plan
Create a support network of people who can help you in an emergency. Create a list of contact information for friends and family, making sure to keep a copy in a watertight container in an emergency kit. As you identify the key players that can assist you, it’s important to clearly define what role each person will play. For example, while one person could be responsible for helping evacuate an area, another could be in charge of consistently checking in with you.
If you or your loved one have limited mobility, check with local transit providers as well as with your emergency management agency to identify appropriate accessible transportation you’ll need for evacuation or getting around during or after a disaster Many city and county emergency management agencies maintain voluntary registries for people with disabilities to self-identify in order to receive targeted assistance during emergencies and disasters.
For those receiving dialysis or other life-sustaining medical treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility that can help you. Knowing alternative routes to these specific designations might be helpful.
3. Create an Emergency Kit
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, during an emergency you may not have access to clean water or electricity. Having an emergency kit ready makes sure you’re prepared with a sufficient supply of food, water, and other items to last for at least 72 hours. Include medical-related items you’ll require such as:
A 3-day supply of medicine, at a minimum. If medications need to be kept cold, have a cooler and ice packs available.
ID band (full name, contact number for family member/caregiver, and allergies)
Hearing aids and extra batteries
Glasses and/or contacts and contact solution
Medical supplies like syringes or extra batteries
Information about medical devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen including model numbers and vendors
A spare cell phone fully charged
For documents, keep physical copies in a waterproof bag and take photos of each document for backup. Make copies of Medicaid, Medicare, and other insurance cards, a photo ID, durable power of attorney and/or medical power of attorney documents, as appropriate, contact information for family members, doctors, pharmacies and/or caregivers, list of all medications, including the exact name of the medicine and dosage, and contact information for pharmacy and doctor who prescribed medicine, and a list of allergies to food or medicines.
Types of Emergencies and What To Do
For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of how to prepare for the following
emergencies.
Flooding
In the event of a flood warning, find safe shelter immediately. The type of flooding will determine your best course of action. Options include moving to higher ground or a higher floor, evacuate immediately if told to do so, or shelter in place. Do not walk, swim or attempt to drive through floodwaters. Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water because bridges can wash away without warning.
When assembling your emergency kit: Stock up on essentials in case you need to leave your home quickly or if utilities are disrupted. Include extra batteries and chargers for your phone and other vital electronics.
Earthquakes
Devastating and unpredictable, earthquakes can crumble buildings and rain down debris, causing widespread injuries. When the ground starts shaking, remember the key: Drop, Cover, Hold On. In bed? FEMA says stay put and cover your head. Indoors? Find sturdy cover and hold on. Don't run outside or stand in doorways. Driving? Pull over away from hazards. High-rise? Avoid elevators. Near slopes? Beware falling rocks and landslides.
When assembling your emergency kit: Stock your kit with essentials for several days, including non-perishable food, plenty of water, a reliable flashlight, and a whistle for signaling. Remember to tailor the kit to everyone's needs, including medications and pet supplies. Don't forget extra batteries and chargers to keep your phone and other vital devices powered on.
Landslides
During a landslide warning, prioritize your safety. Seek shelter immediately, and if instructed to, evacuate immediately to higher ground or designated shelters. Listen closely to official instructions and stay alert for updates. Landslides can trigger flooding, so be aware of rising water levels.
When assembling your emergency kit: Include suggested essentials (as shown above) and keep pet supplies in mind.
Wildfires
When wildfires threaten, remember these key actions: evacuate immediately if instructed, call 911 if trapped, and stay informed through local emergency alerts.
When assembling your emergency kit: Keep N95 masks handy. They help keep particles out of the air you breathe.
Presidio Home Care and Emergency Preparedness
Presidio Home Care Aides aren't just there for everyday assistance. They can be valuable partners in emergency preparedness. Our highly trained aides can help you assess your risks, assemble your emergency kit, and develop a personalized plan. They can even practice evacuation drills with you and help you stay informed about local threats. With Presidio Home Care, you or your loved one can face any emergency with confidence. Contact us today to learn more.
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