Planning Guide For Senior Citizens

• Plan for family, friends, and neighbors to check on each other after a disaster. Telephones may not be working, so this should be arranged between people who live near one another.
• Keep a list of your medicines, allergies, and your special equipment. Include the name, address, and telephone number of your doctor, pharmacist, family members, clergy and special friends. Take this list with you if you must evacuate your residence after a disaster.
• Falling objects pose one of the greatest hazards in an earthquake. Seniors may not be able to quickly get under a table or desk for protection. Secure or eliminate hazards in your residence that could fall and cause injury.
• Keep a three day supply of emergency food and water. Have a well-stocked first-aid kit, an extra pair of glasses, flashlight and batteries, portable radio, essential medicine, and if you are hearing impaired, extra batteries for your hearing aid.
• Securely anchor any medical equipment, heavy appliances, bookcases, china cabinets, hanging plants, and other items in your residence that might present a hazard during a disaster.
• Place heavy objects on low shelves.
• Make sure doorways, halls, and exits are clear of furniture or other objects that would delay or inhibit a safe exit.
• Add latches to cabinets and drawers to secure them during an earthquake.
• If your life support equipment requires electricity, purchase an emergency generator. Make certain you know how to properly operate and fuel the generator.
• If you use oxygen, secure the tank to prevent it from tipping.
• If you use a wheelchair or walking aids, keep them near you at all times. If possible, have extra walking aids in different places in your residence.
• Place a battery-operated night light in each room. In a power outage, they will stay on for several hours.
• Have a whistle or horn to signal for help in an emergency.
• Keep a list of your household inventory. Keep your Will, Living Will, and other important documents in a safe, accessible place. If you must evacuate your residence take your important documents with you.

Washington State Military Department, Emergency Management Division