Surviving the First Three Days After a Disaster
By Darla Isackson
In 1989, just minutes after an earthquake in San Francisco, a policeman walked up to a news camera in the Mission District to deliver a message to the people of his city. Surrounded by collapsed houses, fires, and human chaos, his first words were something like: “You're on your own for 72 hours!”
Could that sort of thing happen here? What kinds of disasters on the Wasatch Front would make it necessary to evacuate--or to take care of survival needs at home when all utilities are shut down, all medical and rescue units overwhelmed or unavailable, all stores closed? How do the needs of seniors in such situations differ from the needs of others?
Suggestions for Seniors
The State of Utah Department of Public Safety distributes an excellent brochure that includes some guidelines for seniors and the disabled. (To access the online version go to emergencymanagement.utah.gov and click on Personal and Family Preparedness) The brochure makes the following suggestions:
Decide what you will be able to do for yourself and what assistance you may need before, during, and after a disaster.
Create a support network of family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers who could contact you and assist you with evacuation and medical needs in the event of a disaster.
Make an information list that includes those who should be notified if you are injured or need help.
Compile medical information and place it in a “grab and go” file along with other pertinent records, such as your bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and information about insurance policies.
72-Hour Kits
Government agencies advise all citizens to pack a basic 72-hour kit and store it in an accessible place in the house. Backpacks or duffel bags are good containers for 72-hr kits if you are physically able to carry them. Packs on wheels are preferable if your strength is limited. (See accompanying article for a novel idea for a 72-hour kit for those whose mobility or strength is severely impaired.) Suggested contents lists are available from a wide array of sources such as the Salt Lake Valley Health Department (SLVHD), the Utah Department of Public Safety, and the Provident Living site at www.lds.org.
An informative booklet prepared by the SLVHD called “Family Emergency Preparedness Guide” lists the following as vital categories to include in your kit: water (and a system for water purification), food, a first-aid kit, prescription drugs and over-the-counter basic remedies, tools and sanitation supplies, important family documents, and books and games for entertainment. Of course, there are long lists of suggestions under each heading. Contents will vary according to your individual needs.
The pamphlet advises us to keep items in airtight plastic bags, rotate water and food supplies every six months, replace batteries, update clothing at intervals, and keep a smaller version of your kit in the trunk of your car. (Ready-to-go emergency car kits are available for purchase at Costco and other outlets.)
The recent California fires were a solemn reminder that no matter where we live, the need to evacuate may arise for any of us. In late 2007, floods in Mexico necessitated relocation of thousands of people. With disasters becoming increasingly more prevalent, there is no time like the present to get better prepared.
Carolyn Nicolaysen, preparedness expert and owner of TotallyReady.com, has written a series of preparedness articles for Meridian Magazine online, all of which can be accessed in their archives. Just go to www.meridianmagazine.com, click on Archives in the left-hand column, and then enter Carolyn’s name. “Surviving the Unthinkable” is one of her best articles for practical preparedness tips.
Evacuation and Disaster Preparedness for the Elderly and Disabled
By Darla Isackson
A 72-hour Kit You Can Wear
Expert Carolyn Nicolaysen offers the following excellent preparedness idea for people who are elderly and/or disabled: Purchase a good fishing vest; it may be the easiest 72-hour “kit” for someone in a wheelchair or with limited mobility. The pockets in these vests can be filled with the most essential lifesaving and comfort items, such as:
• Vital information. 3x5 cards containing names, addresses, and phone numbers (home, work, and cell) of family members, religious leaders, doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals. Also, include a card with a list of any essential medications (including the dosage and directions for use).
• A few days’ supply of medication. Include all medications you currently take, unless they need to be refrigerated or have a very limited shelf life. You may want to talk to your doctor about getting a few extra doses to have on hand.
• Extra eyeglasses. In the event of an emergency, you may not have time to get your regular glasses, or they may be damaged. Also, if you are awakened during the night and need to get out quickly, you may not be able to find your glasses.
• A good whistle. A whistle signal could enable rescue workers to locate you since it is audible much further away than the human voice. It could also help family members find you more quickly if you get separated.
• Food and especially water! Water purchased in survival pouches is easy to fit into the pockets of a fishing vest. Even two or three pouches could make a huge difference during an emergency. 400-calorie emergency energy bars are a great choice for food. Compact and inexpensive, energy bars have a long shelf life — five years or more, and are available to many sports and preparedness stores.
• Mylar blanket. They are compact, inexpensive, and versatile. They resemble a sheet of tin foil, and can be used not only for warmth, but also as a reflective signaling device, protection from the elements since they are water proof, as a shield from the hot sun, and more.
• Money. Tuck in one pocket cash in small bills (nothing over a $10 bill), and some coins. Supplies may be available to purchase, but only if you have cash. Credit cards and checks may become useless in many emergency situations, especially during power outages.
• Personal hygiene items. Common items include a toothbrush, toothpaste, and wet wipes. If you have room in your vest for more, think of the hygiene items you would most hate to do without.
• Items to Alleviate Boredom. Save just a small space for entertainment. A deck of cards, a little notebook and pen, or a small crossword puzzle book and pencil could go a long ways to keep your spirits up in a difficult situation.
Imagine the comfort of having all the above items within easy reach in a disaster situation— and not having to move an inch to get at them! Once stocked, be sure that anyone who lives with you knows the exact location of your vest so they could grab it and put it on you in a second. Wearing your 72-hour kit may be the best idea of all!