Courtesy National Council on Aging
The elderly, those with cognitive and physical disabilities, sensory impairments and/or chronic health conditions need more time to evacuate during an emergency. Hearing and vision impairment also increases the risk of harm during an emergency. Taking the time to prepare an evacuation plan and Go Bag is essential during a crisis.
Assess limitations, needs
Take note of your physical limitations and medical needs. Can you walk long distances or do you require medical equipment? Do you require daily medication?
Discuss your findings with your health care provider to identify potential solutions and accommodations in advance.
Hearing & visual impairments
Evaluate your hearing and vision capabilities. Do you find it hard to hear alarms or have difficulty reading small print? Is your eyeglass prescription up to date? Are your hearing aids in good working order?
If you haven’t addressed your hearing or vision loss, seek diagnoses and treatments, such as hearing aids and glasses.
Consider investing in specialized alarms and emergency equipment designed for people with sensory impairments.
Manage stress
Stress is an inevitable consequence of emergencies and can aggravate existing health conditions like heart disease and asthma; it can impair cognitive function, affecting decision-making; and it can lead to panic, which can be paralyzing in emergencies.
A well-thought-out emergency plan can reduce the risk of stress-induced errors. Share and practice your plan with your caregivers and support network, which can provide a sense of control and reduce stress levels.
Medical devices
If you use medical devices that require power to operate, contact your local electric agency to discuss options for alternative power supplies, if available. You can also register to receive notifications of planned power outages in advance.
Transportation
If you rely on others for transportation, ensure you have access to a vehicle that can take you and any necessary equipment (such as a wheelchair, oxygen machine or other assistive device) out of harm’s way is essential. | ncoa.org
Courtesy National Council on Aging
Resources for specific health issues / Recursos para problemas de salud específicos
- Cancer | cancer.gov
- Diabetes | cdc.gov/diabetes
- Dialysis patients | kcercoalition.com
- Mental health | samhsa.gov/disaster-preparedness
- Respiratory issues | lung.org
- Service animals | adata.org
- Wheelchair users | unitedspinal.org/ready-to-roll
Download Tahoe Guide’s 5th Annual Wildfire Preparedness Guide
