Emergencies and at-risk individuals
Learn about emergency preparedness for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
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Why be prepared?
Emergencies are a fact of life. Tornados, floods, blizzards, ice storms, chemical spills... they all occur in Ontario communities. They have the potential to put your health, safety and security at risk. Since an emergency situation or an evacuation can be a frightening and confusing time, it is important that seniors, especially those with special needs, know the steps to take in an emergency. There are simple steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones during an emergency. Everyone should have an emergency plan and a kit to take care of themselves for at least three days. This guide supplements the Haldimand County Emergency Preparedness Guide.
Developing an emergency plan
In an emergency, you may not have access to everyday conveniences, and you may be asked to evacuate your home. Thinking about what you would do is the first step to being prepared.
- Determine two safe locations incase you have to leave your home. One should be nearby, such as a local library or community centre. The other one should be farther away, outside your neighbourhood, incase the emergency affects a large area.
- Develop a family communication plan. During an emergency, local telephone lines, cellphones and networks may not work. Identify one or two out-of-town contacts you and your loved ones can call to connect and share information.
- Make a list of the people in your personal support network. This includes all the people who will be able to help when you need it. Consider including family members, neighbours, healthcare and personal support workers.
- Contact service providers. If someone in your home gets routine treatment outside the home or support services at home, work with the service provider on a back-up plan.
- Have a buddy. Consider giving an extra set of keys to someone you trust and let them know where you keep your emergency kit. Arrange for that person to check on you during an emergency.
- Be ready to evacuate. Plan how you would travel to a safe location if evacuation was recommended. Have a grab and go emergency bag ready.
- Plan for your pets. Often, only service animals are allowed in reception centres. If possible, identify someone who can take your pets if you have to leave your home.
- Consider your living situation. Do you live in an isolated community? In an apartment building? Do you or someone you live with have limited mobility? Be familiar with evacuation plans, and talk to your building manager or neighbours to make special arrangements, if necessary.
Special considerations for seniors and individuals with disabilities
- Supply of food items appropriate to your disability or dietary restrictions.
- Assistive devices needed such as canes, walkers, lightweight manual wheelchair, hearing aids, breathing apparatus, blood glucose monitoring device, etc.
- Prescription eyewear and footwear (if required).
- Extra supply of medications and vitamin supplements.
- Personal disability-related list of all your needed medical supplies and special equipment.
- Copies of medication prescriptions.
- Extra dentures (if required) and cleaner.
- Latex-free gloves (to give to anyone providing personal care to you).
- Any other contingency supplies unique to your special needs.
- Remember: Individuals are best at knowing their own needs and these should be respected.
Assisting seniors and individuals with disabilities during an emergency
- Check on neighbours who are seniors with special needs to find out if they need your help during an emergency or evacuation.
- Allow the person to describe what help they need and how it can be provided to them.
- Be patient, listen actively.
- If the person appears anxious or agitated, speak calmly and provide assurance that you are there to help.
- If evacuation is necessary, offer a ride to seniors who do not have access to a vehicle.
- Follow instructions posted on special needs equipment and/or assistive devices.
- If time permits, offer to carry the person’s grab-and-go bag to your car, along with any other equipment or assistive devices they will need.
