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What We Can Do to Save Our Lives
This information was developed by the
Rochester-Monroe County Chapter, American Red Cross.
Dear Friends,
We are a group of older adults who experienced a
two-week power outage when a massive ice storm hit the
Greater Rochester, New York, area. We were unprepared
for such a disaster. If we had only taken a few simple
steps to prepare ourselves for such an event, we could
have eliminated many of the hardships we had to endure.
We are just like many of you. Some of us are in good
health but aren't quite a agile as we used to be; some
of us have hearing or vision problems; others use a cane
or wheelchair. Whatever our limitations, however, we
need to be prepared. We can be prepared.
For six months we have researched and discussed
disasters and preparedness with the American Red Cross.
To avoid getting caught unprepared, we urge you to
immediately review the enclosed information and fill in
the appropriate local emergency numbers. Be sure to keep
this helpful reference tool in a handy place for quick
reference.
Sincerely,
Vi, Melvin Q., Julia L., Nancy C., Marion V., Jam,
Dorothy M., Janet H., Fran, Roger H., Mary S., and
LaVinia
Take Responsibility
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| Prepare NOW for a sudden emergency
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| Learn how to protect yourself and cope with
disaster by planning ahead.
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| Even if you have physical limitations, you can
still protect yourself. |
Disaster can strike quickly and without warning!
Local officials and relief workers will be on the
scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone
right away.
Take responsibility--Save your life!
Keep in touch with your neighbors and look out for
each other.
Knowing What to Do Is Your Best Protection And
Your Responsibility.
Every day some part of the country is affected by one
or more of the following emergencies:
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| Hurricanes
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| Earthquakes
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| Winter Storms
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| Tornadoes
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| Thunderstorms
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| Flooding
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| Toxic Spills
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| Fires |
Which three are most likely to happen in your area?
Preparing for a disaster that is most likely to
happen in your area will help you be prepared for any
disaster. Remember anything can happen at any time.
Notification
How You May Be Notified Of A Possible Emergency
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How You May Be Notified Of A Possible Emergency
Be aware of anyone in your neighborhood who may need
special help. If available, take advantage of advance
registration systems in your area for those who need
help.
Family Disaster Plan
Plan Ahead!!!
The next time disaster strikes, you may not have much
time to act. Prepare now for a sudden emergency.
By planning ahead you can avoid waiting in long lines
for critical supplies, such as food, water and medicine.
Remember to review your plan regularly.
Use the following checklist to get started:
Your Disaster Checklist
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| Assemble a disaster
supplies kit.
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| Arrange for someone to check on you.
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| Plan and practice the best escape routes from your
home.
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| Plan for transportation if you need to evacuate to
a Red Cross shelter.
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| Find the safe places in your home for each type of
emergency.
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| Have a plan to signal the need for help.
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| Post emergency phone numbers near the phone.
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| If you have home health care service, plan ahead
with your agency for emergency procedures.
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| Teach those who may need to assist you in an
emergency how to operate necessary equipment. Be
sure they will be able to reach you. |
Medical Emergency Supplies
For your safety and comfort, you need to have
emergency supplies packed and ready in one place before
disaster hits.
You should assemble enough supplies to last for at
least three days.
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| Assemble the supplies you would need in an
evacuation, both medical and general supplies.
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| Store them in an easy-to-carry container, such as
a backpack of duffel bag.
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| Be sure your bag has an ID tag.
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| Label any equipment, such as wheelchairs, canes or
walkers, that you would need. |
For Your Medical Needs
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| First-aid kit
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| Prescription medicines, list of medications
including dosage, list of any allergies
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| Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries
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| Extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen
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| List of the style and serial numbers of medical
devices such as pacemakers
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| Medical insurance and Medicare cards
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| List of doctors and relatives or friends who
should be notified if you are injured
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| Any other items you may need |
General Disaster Supplies
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| Battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra
batteries for each
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| Change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes
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| Blanket or sleeping bag
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| Extra set of keys
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| Cash, credit cards, change for the pay phone
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| Personal hygiene supplies
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| Phone numbers of local and non-local relatives or
friends
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| Insurance agent's name and number
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| Other items you want to include |
It may not be necessary to evacuate, or you may be
ordered to stay in your home. If this happens, you will
need in addition to the above items:
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| Water supply: one gallon per day per person.
Remember, plan for at least 3 days. Store water in
sealed, unbreakable containers that you are able to
handle. Identify the storage date and replace every
six months.
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| Non-perishable food supply--including any special
foods you require. Choose foods that are easy to
store and carry, nutritious and ready-to-eat. Rotate
them regularly. See section, "For
More Information".
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| Manual can opener you are able to use.
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| Non-perishable food for any pets. |
Red Cross Shelters may be opened if
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| A disaster affects a large number of people.
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| The emergency is expected to last several days. |
Be Prepared to Go to a Shelter if. . .
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| Your area is without electrical power.
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| Flood water is rising.
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| Your home has been severely damaged.
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| Police or other local officials tell you to
evacuate. |
Services Provided at a Red Cross Shelter
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| Food.
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| Temporary shelter.
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| Basic First Aid. |
To Learn About Red Cross Shelters Serving Your
Area
All American Red Cross emergency services are provided
free of charge.
If You Need To Evacuate
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| Coordinate with your home care provider for
evacuation procedures.
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| Try to car pool if possible.
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| If you must have assistance for special
transportation call the American Red Cross or your
local officials.
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| Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.
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| Take your Disaster
Supplies Kit.
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| Lock your home.
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| Use the travel routes specified or special
assistance provided by local officials. Don't take
any short cuts, they may be unsafe.
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| Notify shelter authorities of any need you may
have. They will do their best to accommodate you and
make you comfortable. |
If You Are Sure You Have Enough Time...
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| Shut off water, gas, and electricity if instructed
to do so and if you know how. Gas must be turned
back on by a professional.
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| Let others know when you left and where you are
going.
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| Make arrangements for pets. Animals other than
working animals may not be allowed in public
shelters. |
Residential
Fires
One emergency we could all face at any time is a home
fire. A home fire could be a special challenge for one
with physical limitations. However, there are some
things we can do to improve our safety:
Before a Fire
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| Plan two escape routes out of each room. If you
cannot use stairways, make special arrangements for
help in advance. Never use elevators.
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| Sleep with the bedroom door closed. This gives you
extra minutes of protection from toxic fumes and
fire.
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| Test your smoke detector battery regularly, and as
a reminder, change batteries on the same day each
year. Vacuum it occasionally to remove dust. |
In Case Of Fire
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| Remain calm.
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| Drop to the floor and crawl. Most fire fatalities
are due to breathing toxic fumes and smoke. The
cleanest air is near the floor. Breathing toxic
fumes and smoke is more dangerous than the risk of
injury in getting to the floor quickly.
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| Feel any door before you open it. If it is hot,
find another way out.
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| If your smoke detector goes off, never waste time
to get dressed or collect valuables or pets. Get out
of the house immediately.
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| Do not try to fight the fire! Call for help from a
neighbor's phone.
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| Never go back into a burning building for any
reason.
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| If your clothes catch on fire, drop to the floor
and roll to suffocate the fire. Keep rolling
(running from the fire only "fans" the
flames and makes it worse).
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| If you are in a wheelchair or cannot get out of
your house, stay by the window near the floor. If
you are able, signal the need to help. |
Grandchildren's Safety
It is estimated that 3.4 million children live in a
household headed by grandparents. And, many children
visit their grandparents often. The following safety
advice for children can help grandparents prepare a safe
environment at home for children:
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| Store matches and lighters up high, away from
children.
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| Move cleaning chemicals like cleansers, soap,
drain cleaner, and other poisons to high cupboards
OR install a child-proof lock if you must keep these
items in low cabinets.
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| Store prescription medicines and over-the-counter
drugs like aspirin, cough medicines, and stomachache
remedies in a cabinet out of reach of children.
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| If children are playing outside or in a pool when
skies grow dark or you hear thunder, ask them to
come indoors right away.
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| Install plastic covers over all exposed electrical
outlets. |
Children Can Help Grandparents, too:
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| Have children test each smoke detector in your
home to make sure it is working by using a broom
handle to push the test button. See that the battery
is changed in each detector that doesn't work.
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| Ask children to draw a floor plan of your home and
show two ways out of every room in case of fire. |
Summary and Reminders
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| Take responsibility by planning now.
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| Listen for information on radio and TV about
hazardous weather and other events, and heed the
advice of local officials. Leave right away if told
to do so.
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| In some communities, people who need help or
transportation during an evacuation are asked to
register that need with their local government. Call
your local emergency management office for
information and suggestions about what to do during
an evacuation.
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| Gather essential supplies, and be sure to keep a
copy of your eyeglass prescription, list of
medications and their dosage, and other important
papers to take with you if you have to leave your
home. |
For More Information:
If you would like more information on disaster
planning or on the disasters likely to happen in your
area, the following information is available
The following may be ordered free from the
U.S. Fire Administration
Smoke Detectors and Fire Safety: A Guide for Older
Americans
Pub. #L-126
FEMA/U.S. Fire Administration
P.O. Box 2012
Jessup, MD 20794-2012
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NOAA Weather Radio information from
NOAA Weather Radio
Stock #: NOAA PA 76015
Contact your local National Weather Service office.
Includes frequency information, type of information
broadcast and where to obtain a NOAA Weather Radio.
For more information from the National
Weather Service.
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The following may be ordered from FEMA
FEMA
P.O. Box 2012
Jessup, MD 20794-2012
Preparedness for People with Disabilities
(earthquake)
Pub. # FEMA-75
Hurricane Awareness-Action Guidelines for Senior
Citizens
Item #8-0440
Or, consult FEMA.
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Emergency information may also be obtained from
your utility company.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Local emergency services number:_______________________
Ambulance:____________________________________________
Nearest
relative:_______________________________________
Local
contact:_________________________________________
Out of state
contact:____________________________________
Doctors:_______________________________________________
Local Red Cross
Chapter:_______________________________
Insurance
Agent:_______________________________________
Other:_________________________________________________
Medications List With Dosage
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