Extreme winter weather can keep even the most active of older adults in their homes for unforeseen amounts of time. Here's some tips on what to have on hand so that your blizzardy day doesn't turn into an emergency.
It is helpful to keep a list of information on your refrigerator in the event of an emergency. Include information like:
Name, address, telephone #, allergies to medications, date of birth, major illnesses, name of emergency contacts and their phone numbers, doctor's name and phone numbers, health insurer, medicare #, list of any medications you are currently taking, dosage strength, how often you take them and when.
What to pick up next time you are at the store:
Non-perishable food– 3 days worth
Bottled water– 1 gallon per person per day (at least 3 days worth)
Battery powered radio
Flashlight
Extra Batteries
Whistle– to signal for help
Manual Can opener
Matches/Lighter–store somewhere waterproof
Cash– in case ATMs do not work
Hygiene items such as toilet paper and toothbrush
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities if needed
Emergency power bank to charge a cell phone
If you have a pet, make sure you have extras of what they need
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I HAVE
PREPARED?
Clothing
-Complete change of warm clothes per person
-Sturdy shoes/boots per person
-Blankets/Sleeping Bags per
person
-Rain apparel/ winter jacket/ hats and gloves
First Aid Kit
-Sterile gloves and dressings
-Soap and or antibiotic towelettes
-Antibiotic and Burn ointment
-Band-Aids (many sizes)
-Thermometer
-Scissors
-Tweezers
-Eye wash solution
-Aspirin
(or some other kind of pain reliever)
-Antacid and laxative
Helpful Phone Numbers to Know:
Erie County Sheriff’s Office: (716) 858-2903
Buffalo City Police: (716) 851-4444
In the event of an emergency, call: 911
American Red Cross 1 (800) 733-2767 redcross.org
Centers for Disease Control (800) 232-4636 cdc.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency 1 (800) 621-3362 fema.gov
U.S. Department of Homeland Security 1(800) 621-3362 ready.gov
Humane Society of the United States (202) 452-1100 or (866) 720-2676 hsus.org/disaster