Emergencies can create a variety of hazards for older adults in the impacted area. Preparing before an emergency incident plays a vital role in ensuring that everyone have the necessary equipment, know where to go, and know how to keep themselves safe when an emergency occurs.
Remember that when you are in immediate danger 911 is you first lifeline. 

Tornadoes 

Important Items to Have During Tornadoes

  • Emergency food supplies/Water
  • Flashlights
  • Medication kit
  • A radio
  • Powered cellphone/Charger
  • A small room with no windows/ Shelter
  • A generator

​A Tornado can:

  • Happen anytime and anywhere.
  • Bring intense winds, over 200 miles per hour.
  • Look like funnels.

​During Tornado:

  • Go to a safe shelter such as a safe room or basement.
  • Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
  • Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
  • If you can’t stay at home, make plans to go to a public shelter.

Who Can Help?

  • American Red Cross
  • DTE
  • Detroit Homeland Security

​POWER OUTAGES

Important Items To Have During Power Outages.

  • A Generator
  • Flashlights/Candles
  • Important medications
  • Emergency food supplies/Water
  • Battery-Powered or hand-crank radio.
  • Extra batteries

​A power Outages May:

  • Disrupt communications, water and transportation.
  • Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks and other services.
  • Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
  • Prevent use of medical devices.

Who Can Help?

  • American Red Cross
  • DTE Energy

Floods

Who Can Help?

  • American Red Cross
  • Insurance Company
  • Local Fire Department
  • Detroit Homeland Security
  • ​FEMA

Floods May:

  • Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges and overflows of dams and other water systems.
  • Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings and create landslides.

Important Items To Have During Floods.

  • Emergency food supplies/Water
  • Medication kit
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Emergency Contact Phone Numbers
  • Find a safe shelter right away
  • Buy a fire extinguisher if you don’t already have one
  • Buy and install sump pumps with back-up power.

EXTREME HEAT

Important Items To Have During Extreme Heat.

  • Generator
  • Fans
  • Coolers
  • Water
  • Emergency Food
  • Shelf Stable Meals

During Extreme Heat:

  • Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
  • If air conditioning is not available in your home go to a cooling center.
  • Take cool showers or baths.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Who Can Help?

  • Detroit Area Agency On Aging
  • American Red Cross
  • Detroit Homeland Security

Snow Storms 

Who Can Help?

  • American Red Cross
  • Local Fire Department
  • Detroit Homeland Security

Important Items To Have During Snow Storm.

  • A emergency blanket
  • Extra batteries for radios and flashlights
  • Medications
  • Jumper cables/Warm clothes
  • Salt/Sand
  • Bottled water and non-perishable snacks.
  • Weather Alert

HOME FIRES

Important Items To Have During Home Fires.

  • Emergency Exit
  • Fire Drill Practice
  • Fire Blankets
  • Fire/Smoke Detectors
  • Smoke Alarms

During Home Fires:

  • Find two ways to get out of each room in the event the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke.
  • Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened.
  • If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you can get through the doorways.

Who Can Help?

  • American Red Cross
  • Local Fire Department
  • Insurance Company
  • Detroit Homeland Security
  • FEMA

​PANDEMICS

Important Items To Have During Pandemics.

  • Mask
  • Gloves
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Covid 19 Testing
  • Covid 19 Vaccination
  • Disinfectant Wipes
  • Thermometer

​During Pandemics:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Keep a distance of at least six feet between yourself and people who are not part of your household.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when in public.
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch objects and surfaces.
  • Stay at home as much as possible to prevent the spread of disease.

Who Can Help?

  • Detroit Homeland
  • Covid 19 Testing Sites
  • Area Agencies On Aging

What Do You Need In A Survival Kit?

  • Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
  • Multi-purpose tool
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Extra cash
  • Emergency blanket
  • Map(s) of the area

HOW CAREGIVER CAN ASSIST?

For Seniors: 
  • A note at the top of the list stating: “In case of emergency, dial 911”
  • Senior’s address and phone number (to share with emergency personnel)
  • Other emergency contacts (family members, friends, neighbors
  • Primary doctor’s name and phone number
  • Pharmacy name and phone number

For Caregivers:
  • Your loved one’s full name, birthdate and Social Security number*
  • Medicare, Medicaid or health insurance policy number*
  • Login credentials, account numbers and contact information for loved one’s primary financial accounts*
  • Primary doctor’s name and phone number
  • Pharmacy name and phone number
  • List of loved one’s current medications, allergies and medical history

Resources:


Caregiver Tips for the Elderly 
Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults
Disasters and Emergencies (Ready.gov)