BOOMER JOURNEYS

By Alex Carrier
Published: June 6, 2008

Americans rely on government agencies to let them know when something bad could or is happening.  If those agencies are proved wrong, we don’t celebrate missing the bullet, we complain and start to ignore the warnings.  Call it the “cry wolf principle”. 
Recent forecasted hurricane seasons have not materialized and we have become complacent.  Studies show that even residents of coastal areas are unprepared.
There is more than sufficient information available about the basics of emergency preparation. What some people may not consider are other factors that may be involved. Here are some scenarios you should include.
When you make a plan – and you know you should –be sure to have several variations based on where every family member might be during a crisis.  Plan for the possibility of being stuck in your home with no utilities and no help for up to three full days or being on your own for a week.  Have a plan for staying safe in your home for up to three days even if the structure has suffered some damage.
If your family must evacuate, plan to be away for three days to a week.  Have a mid-to-long term option should your home be destroyed or so damaged it is uninhabitable until repairs are made.
Be prepared for two evacuation possibilities.  One is evacuation for an immediate threat such as a fire.  The other is if you have up to 15 minutes to gather your belongings. 
Is a member of your family elderly, a child, disabled or chronically ill?  These would be family members who may need special consideration or your help during an emergency.
If medication or special medical equipment is critically necessary, you will need to make sure these items are available.  For instance, diabetics who inject daily insulin need emergency refrigeration. 
Determine exactly what is involved in keeping medications safe.  Some medications cannot directly touch frozen surfaces or be exposed to temperature extremes, moisture or sunlight.
For keeping medication cool, use a container just big enough to hold a week’s supply and sufficient cooling materials.  You can use artificial ice blocks or you can freeze large chunks of ice sized to fit the container. 
Although this may require special negotiation with doctors and insurance companies, you should always have a week’s reserve of medications on hand.  This gives you necessary time to get and refill prescriptions in an emergency. Reserve medication will need to be used and replaced regularly depending on the expiration date.
If any member of your family is unable to walk quickly, plan accordingly.  You should know the best and quickest way to get everyone in your family, including yourself, to safety. Have several plans based on who might be available for assistance. 
Notify your local emergency services if you have a family member with special needs.  You should also notify utility companies if you have someone in your home with a medical need requiring urgent repair of utilities such as power. 
If pets are members of your family, you need to plan for their care and protection.  Have a leash or other control device for every pet no matter how obedient or docile they are normally.  Frightened animals can easily break away and become injured or lost.
Have a safe place for pets to stay such as a strong crate with protection on all sides.  Have what you need available should you have to evacuate your pet. Pets rely on your care and are unable to fend for themselves.
Have sufficient food and water for the animal for three days to a week and any medications or other supplies you use on a daily basis. Have copies of pets’ up-to-date inoculations. 
Although plans are being made to offer shelters that will accept pets in an emergency, you may not have one in your area.  Know where your pets would go if you have to evacuate and have a plan for getting them there. 
Things can be replaced, members of your family, including your pets, cannot.  Your emergency preparedness plan should consider the safety and needs of your entire family.