Seniors

Seniors may have special needs that must be considered when you create a Household Plan and Emergency Kit.

Mobility

  • If you or a family member has difficulty moving quickly and easily, make sure your neighbors are aware and you have someone who can check in during an emergency.
  • Develop a support network with several people who will follow up with you after an emergency.

Medication and Medical Supplies

  • Keep a separate supply of at least seven days’ worth of any medication or critical medical supplies, such as oxygen.
  • If you rely on electric medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, insulin pumps, ventilators, and oxygen compressors, talk to your medical supply company about getting extra batteries or a generator as a back-up power source.

Additions to the Emergency Kit and Go Bag

  • A whistle to signal for help.
  • Necessary medications and supplies.
  • Special sanitary needs.
  • Important medical phone numbers.
  • Food that meets specialized dietary needs.
  • List of medications, medical conditions, insurance information, allergies, and a copy of your insurance cards. Keep one copy with you at all times, and give the other copy to someone else for safekeeping.

Care

  • During an emergency, personal care attendants may not be able to make it to their patients. Make arrangements with caregivers who are familiar with your personal care agency’s emergency policy.
  • If you have a service animal, make sure it has a registered tag.

Emergency management content on the Butte-Silver Bow website was developed drawing heavily from and updating the excellent resources offered on the Ready Illinois website produced by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and partner organizations.