Developing an Emergency Management Plan for Older Adults

This project focuses on creating an emergency management plan for older adults, specifically addressing the needs of those living in Contra Costa County, California. It emphasizes the importance of preparedness, covering essential aspects such as emergency supplies, personal emergency plans, and emergency contact lists. The plan includes a comprehensive checklist, detailing necessary items like food, water, first aid kits, and personal hygiene products. The document also stresses the importance of regular maintenance of the emergency kit, including updating medications and checking expiration dates. Furthermore, it addresses the unique needs of older adults, such as portable oxygen, dust masks, and ensuring access to federal benefit payments. The project highlights the significance of this planning for independent older adults, emphasizing the reduction of anxiety, fostering independence, and providing a safety net until professional help arrives. References from the Red Cross and CDC are included to support the information provided.

EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT PLAN
FOR
OLDER ADULT

The checklist for the older adults
•Designated place to meet or take shelter
•Quick evacuation planning
•Make an emergency supply kit
•Keep it close by
Emergency contact list preparation
•Up to date contact list
•Copy must be kept in the emergency supply kit also

Emergency Plans Covered
Emergency supplies for older adults
Assisting the older adult in creating their Personal Emergency Plan
Planning the emergency list of contacts
The Basic Supplies of the Emergency supply kit
The unpredictable list for older adults.
The importance of emergency management planning
for older adults.

The presentation concentrates on the following older adults
 Lives in Contra Costa County, California and lives around
American Red Cross
 Might be living independently
 Might not need assistance regularly
 Might not appear vulnerable until an emergency event happens
The To-Do list for the older adults.
 Be informed
 Build a kit
 Make a plan

Assisting the older adult (OA) in creating their
Personal Emergency Plan
Emergency management planning must involve making
a checklist and a list of emergency contacts that will
come of aid when unforeseen disaster strikes.
A list of contacts of emergency places along with list
of contacts of relatives living outside the town so
that they may be contacted if natural
disaster strike and maims the entire town.
 Must be taught how to apply basic first aid
care that could be applied in case of
emergencies.

Emergency item Instructions Comment
 Basic emergency
Supply Kit
Must include supplies to
sustain at least three days
Must be restocked and
updated once every six
months
 Medical conditions Medical conditions and
the medicines for it must
be listed.
Name of the healthcare
provider must be
mentioned
 Medicines Correct doses must be
mentioned
The medicines must be
checked to avoid date of
expiry
Allergies Food items allergic to
must be mentioned
Medicines that help in
controlling the allergic
reaction must be
mentioned
 Healthcare insurance Insurance provider and the
contact details must be
listed
Referred list of hospitals
by the insurance must also
be listed
 Will and power of
attorney
A copy of Will and power
of attorney must be
present with the lawyer,
family, friend.
Will and power of
attorney copy could be
kept in the emergency
supply kit.
Preparing the checklist

Basic Supplies of the Emergency supply kit
Water (Enough to last minimum three days)
Food (Canned food, dried food, protein bars)
Flashlight with extra sets of batteries
First aid kit with basic first aid manual
Up to date medicines and medical products
Pocket knife scissors or some basic multipurpose tools.
Personal sanitation and hygiene items (sufficient toilet paper,
garbage bags)
Cell phone with charger and power bank for extra
battery
Whistle (for drawing attention)
Change of clothing
Blanket
Cash
Extra set of car keys, house keys.

Points to be remembered
The Emergency supply kit must have a name tag.
The contents of the Emergency supply kit must be up to
dated every six months with upgraded medical reports.
Perishable items like food packets first aid,
medication must be checked regularly to avoid
crossing the date of expiration.

Identifying the emergency necessities to
have at hand for a healthy older adult.
The safety kit must be prepared and kept in one
designated place
Supplies must be enough to last for minimum three days.
Insurance policy and medical policy details and contacts
The emergency supply kit must be easily
accessible
The Emergency supply kit must be easy to
carry/transport like a backpack or trolley with
wheels

The unpredicted planning required for the older adults
 Portable oxygen cylinders must be kept handy
 Dust masks must be kept in the emergency supply kit
 To make sure that the federal benefit payments are easily and
electronically accessible and secure
 To plan and practice quick exit in
case of fire or earthquake.
 A battery powered radio for information and
alerts.
 Planning of changing the batteries of fire
detectors, smoke alarms and security alarms
all at once, and once every six months for
convenience and accuracy of performance.

Why is this important for older adults who
live independently without services?
 The plan will reduce anxiety in older adults by
giving them a feeling of security.
Will make them feel more independent.
Will prepare them for worse case scenarios.
 Will help them combat difficulties
till trained personnel arrives.
Will help in keeping them safe for three
day at least if trained personnel get delayed
in arriving.