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In Case of an Emergency or Disaster

    It’s important that, no matter the emergency (storm, flood, earthquake, heatwave, power-outage, terrorist activity or some other disaster), you to have a plan in place that will make sure your parent stays safe, warm and well fed.

    Power lines may be down, travel restricted, communications disrupted, leaving Mom or Dad in a dark, cold house or apartment with no help in sight. Here are some points to consider to help both of you be better prepared:

    ● Get current emergency information from your local Red Cross or FEMA office. Being prepared is the best first step to surviving a disaster.

    ● If at all possible, arrange for help before the disaster hits. (If, for example, the weather forecasters are warning that a major storm is on the way.) If you’re not going to be able to travel from your part of town to your parent's, or if you live an even greater distance from your parent, arrange to have a neighbor, a member of the parish or a volunteer do some grocery shopping for Mom. Even if she doesn't need anything from the store, ask for that person to stop in and make sure your mother is doing all right.

    ● Remind your parent not to shovel snow or worry about cleaning up debris. Neither activity is something an aging parent should attempt. Red Cross and other emergency teams (or a good neighbor or parishioner) will take care of that later.

    ● Encourage Mom to stay indoors. Even if she plans on walking only a short way, falls lead to broken bones. It's better she suffers a little cabin fever for a few days than spends weeks or months laid up in bed.

    ● Even the most independent person can feel a little uncomfortable if it means that for days on end, he or she won’t be able to get out or for anyone else to get in. After the initial emergency and the phone systems are working a simple daily telephone call can work wonders in providing that needed reassurance. (This is another reason to be sure to have a list of important numbers (family, friends, neighbors, doctor, parish and community resources) posted by your parent's phone.)

    ● Have emergency supplies ready at Dad's place. Make sure they're stored in a place that is easily accessible. These would include a flashlight with fresh batteries, transistor radio, non-electric clock, hand or battery-operated can opener, water, nutritious food that doesn't need to be cooked and a supply of critical medication. (For the most current information on this, check the latest suggested list from the Red Cross or FEMA.)

    ● Remind Mom food in the refrigerator and freezer might keep for several days if the doors aren't opened frequently or for any long period of time.

    ● If Dad is taking medication, be sure there’s enough on hand to last through any emergency. Remember that even though he might not be able to get out, others may be able to come to him. Check with his pharmacy for suggestions in cases like this.

    ● If Mom is on some type of life-support system, such as oxygen, contact her doctor and the local electric company ahead of time to see what they recommend. (You may have to provide a small backup generator.)

    ● Your father will stay warmer in a home or apartment without heat by wearing layers of clothing (underwear, pants, light shirt, heavy shirt, sweater, jacket, heavy coat, hat, gloves) rather than one bulky winter coat.

    ● If the fireplace is to be used, be sure the chimney is clean and the screen is in place. Remind Mom not to try heating a room with a barbecue, hibachi or any type of grill which emits carbon monoxide.

    ● If the furnace has gone out but the electricity is still on, make sure Mom or Dad:

    Does not try to heat with an appliance, such as an oven, with the door wide open.

    Does not overload an electrical outlet or extension cord with an electric heater.

    Does not have anything near an electric space heater. (And don’t sit too close, either.)

    Does not use candles for heating or for light.

    ● Remind your parent it's all right to call 9-1-1 if he or she isn't able to stay warm or fix meals and no one else is available to help.

    ● Remember that if you lose contact with your parent you can also call 9-1-1 and ask a police or community service officer to do a well-person check on Mom or Dad. Better still, you can ask that your parent be placed on a check list of people in the community to be contacted if a storm strikes. Sometimes officials want to know who might need help in an emergency so assistance can be planned.

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