- 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.
- 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.
- 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.