Source: Amy Kostelic, associate professor UK School of Human Environmental Sciences 

Tornadoes, floods, wildfires and hurricanes are powerful reminders of Mother Nature's power. Despite their experience and wisdom in navigating nature's wrath, some older adults are more vulnerable to disasters due to things like chronic illness, certain medications, medical equipment needs, mobility issues, functional limitations and dementia. In addition, it is not uncommon for some older adults to feel overwhelmed. They may even need help understanding safety and evacuation information due to social or economic constraints.  

It is crucial for frail older adults and their loved ones plan for natural disasters. Preparedness can reduce fear, anxiety and loss. 

Without proper assistance or support, some older adults may be unable to move away from danger. Support may improve their survival and post-disaster recovery. If an older adult has dementia, they may need help with evacuation and ongoing daily care, mobility, transportation, medication management and supervision. After a disaster, consider conditions like lack of safe water, food, extreme temperatures, stress, infection, proper shelter, medication, mobility and medical equipment. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds older adults, their families and friends that planning for emergencies can be a matter of life and death. While first responders do their best to assist, it can take time for them to get organized and even longer to reach disaster victims depending on the circumstances The CDC advises stocking enough non-perishable food, water and medication for up to three days. Whistles, flashlights, emergency contact numbers, important documents, batteries, a radio and first aid kit are helpful resources for evacuation. It is helpful to have an emergency disaster backpack or kit with all these items in one accessible place that can be grabbed and carried easily.  Waterproof containers can help keep these items and information dry. 

Discuss and prearrange pet care when possible since many emergency shelters often don't allow non-service animals. If you or a loved one has medical needs, pre-plan your evacuation accommodations like staying with family or friends, hotels or identify medically equipped shelters. 

Families of those living in long-term care facilities should ask about a facility's disaster plan, including emergency plans, how emergencies are defined, supplies and generators, evacuation protocol, emergency response plans and how the facility notifies families of a resident's evacuation. 

It's essential to understand local risks. Kentucky residents should prepare for ice, flash floods and tornadoes. The U.S. Administration on Aging recognizes that natural disasters are unpredictable but it offers general preparations for most situations. The AOA recommends communicating with family and neighbors, charging cellphones and getting backup batteries, notifying a designated contact if leaving home, staying informed through battery-powered or hand-crank radios, evacuating early to avoid hazardous conditions, identifying a meeting place in case of communication disruptions, stocking up on personal and home supplies, preparing a to-go kit with essentials, wearing an identification band and carrying a whistle to signal for help. 

Aging services can help disaster victims and their families. The Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living, Area Agencies on Aging, local senior centers and UK Cooperative Extension Services can help.  

For more information on creating an emergency supply kit, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/older-adult-emergency.html 

For more information about helping older adults during emergencies and other topics, contact the (COUNTY NAME) Cooperative Extension Service.  

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. 

-30- 

---

FCS