1.1 Emergency Kits

Ensure that an emergency kit is within easy reach. For seniors, the basics include

• Essential medications and a list of medications with dosages
• A pair of sturdy shoes and gloves (to protect against broken glass)
• Spare eyeglasses or hearing aids with extra batteries
• Non-perishable food and water for at least 72 hours
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• A whistle to signal for help
• Personal identification and any necessary medical documentation

Seniors often have unique needs and might require a more tailored emergency kit. Here are some additional items to consider adding to an emergency kit specifically for seniors

1.1.1 Medication and Health Supplies

Medication organizer: A weekly pill organizer can help sort necessary medications and ensure none are missed during emergencies.

Cold packs: These can be used for certain medications that need to be refrigerated.

Medical alert bracelet: If seniors individual has a particular condition that emergency responders should be aware of, a medical alert bracelet can be a lifesaver.

1.1.2 Mobility Aids

Walking aids: Include a foldable cane or walker if used.

Wheelchair or mobility scooter users: Have a spare battery or manual charger.

Seat or air cushion: Useful for prolonged sitting, especially if prone to pressure sores.

1.1.3 Comfort Items

Blanket: Lightweight, warm, and compact.

Incontinence supplies: Include adult diapers, wet wipes, and disposable underpads.

Denture care: Include denture adhesive, a container, and a cleaning solution.

1.1.4 Communication

Emergency contact list: A physical list of family, doctors, neighbors, and other essential contacts.

Battery-operated hearing aids: Ensure you have extra hearing aids, if used, along with spare batteries.

Notebook and pen: Useful for communication if hearing is a challenge.

1.1.5 Vision and Reading

Magnifying glass: Useful for reading small print on medication bottles or instructions.

Large-print emergency guide: Easy-to-read instructions on what to do in various situations.

1.1.6 Nutrition

Special dietary foods: If specific nutritional needs or allergies exist, pack non-perishable items adhering to those requirements.

Manual can opener: If your food stock includes canned goods.

Easy-to-open food packages: As some senior may struggle with complex packaging.

1.1.7 Personal Comfort

Photos of loved ones and comforting mementos: Can be calming during stressful times.

Comfortable clothing: An extra set, easy to put on, like sweatpants and a t-shirt.

1.1.8 Miscellaneous

Extra set of house and car keys: Keep them in a labeled, easy-to-find pocket.

Battery-powered radio with headphones: Useful for those hard of hearing to keep updated with news and alerts.

Regularly revisiting and updating the emergency kit is essential. As the needs of senior individuals might change over time, their emergency supplies should adjust accordingly. The goal is to ensure that in times of crisis, the kit provides basic survival items and the comfort and specific care items a senior may need.

Related: Effective Survival Kit – What to gather and how to maintain it?

1.2 Secure Heavy Furniture

Securing heavy furniture is a vital safety measure in earthquake-prone areas. Not only can unsecured furniture become a physical hazard during seismic activity, but it can also block exit routes or damage property. Here’s a more detailed guide

1.2.1 Identify Potential Hazards

Survey your home: Walk through each room and note any tall or heavy items that could topple, such as bookcases, armoires, China cabinets, and televisions.

Prioritize by location: Furniture near beds, sofas, and other places where people spend a lot of time should be secured first.

1.2.2 Gather Necessary Supplies

There are specific products designed to secure furniture. These can be found at most home improvement stores or online. Here’s what you might need

Furniture straps: These are strong straps that attach furniture to the wall. They often come with brackets that can be screwed into the wall and the piece of furniture.

L-brackets: These metal pieces can connect the top of the furniture to the wall.

Furniture wall anchors: These are used to secure heavier items.

Quake putty, wax, or gel: These adhesive solutions secure breakables on open shelves or tabletops.

Non-slip pads: To place under tabletop items or electronics.

Nylon straps: Useful for securing appliances like refrigerators.

1.2.3 Secure the Furniture

Use the suitable wall anchors: Depending on your home’s walls (drywall, plaster, brick, or concrete), ensure you have the correct type of anchor. For instance, for drywall, you would typically use toggle bolts.

Secure top-heavy furniture: Attach one end of the strap or L-bracket to the item’s top or back and the other to a wall stud, not just the drywall. Wall studs are generally spaced 16 to 24 inches apart.

Attach any heavy items on the furniture: If your bookshelf or wardrobe has heavy objects on top, like vases or televisions, ensure these are secured too. Use quake putty for smaller items or nylon straps for heavier ones.

1.2.4 Consider Professional Help

For antiques or valuable items: If you’re concerned about damaging an antique or need help securing a particular piece of furniture, consult a professional.

For large or complex items: Wall units, built-ins, or particularly heavy items might need a more intricate securing system. In these cases, it might be worth hiring a handyman or specialist.

1.2.5 Regularly Check and Maintain

Inspect the straps and anchors: At least once a year, or after a minor quake, check the straps, brackets, and anchors to ensure they are still tightly secured.

Update as needed: If you buy new furniture or move things around, remember to secure any items that become potential hazards.

Securing your furniture might require time and investment upfront. Still, it’s a small price to pay for safety during an earthquake. Beyond just preventing property damage, these steps can save lives and prevent injuries.

1.3 Easy Access to Exits

For seniors, navigating a quick and safe exit during and after a quake can be even more challenging due to their unique vulnerabilities. Ensuring a clear and accessible path to safety is paramount.

1.3.1 Why is this Important for seniors in Earthquakes?

Limited Mobility: A quake might cause displacement of items, posing challenges for seniors, especially those using mobility aids.

Reduced Vision: Earthquakes often result in power outages. Dim lighting can be a hurdle for those with diminished eyesight.

Aftermath: Post-quake, there may be debris or broken items blocking paths.

1.3.2 Steps to Ensure Easy Access

Regularly Inspect Paths: Before an earthquake strikes, frequently check and clear the pathways leading to all possible exits.

Rearrange Furniture: Earthquakes can cause unsecured furniture to move. Ensure furniture is not just secured but also arranged in a manner that it won’t block exits if displaced.

Install Adequate Lighting: Consider battery-operated motion sensor lights or emergency exit lights to guide the way if there’s a power outage.

Reduce Trip Hazards: Secure or remove loose rugs, cords, or other potential trip hazards. Earthquakes can dislodge or shift such items.

Clearly Mark Exits: Use glow-in-the-dark exit signs or indicators. These can be crucial if an earthquake occurs at night.

1.3.3 Special Considerations for Wheelchair Users

Wide Pathways: Ensure that exit paths are broad enough for wheelchairs, keeping in mind that earthquakes might displace items, narrowing passages.

Ramp Access: If there’s a possibility of ground shifting or steps becoming inaccessible, having portable ramps can be handy.

Door Swing: Doors that swing outwards are preferred, as post-quake debris might make inward-swinging doors hard to open.

1.3.4 Communication and Assistance During Earthquakes

Inform Neighbors and Caregivers: Neighbors or caregivers should be aware of the senior’s living situation to assist quickly in the aftermath of an earthquake.

Emergency Response Systems: Wearable emergency response buttons can be crucial, allowing seniors to signal for help if trapped or unable to exit.

1.3.5 Regular Checks and Updates Tailored to Earthquake Preparedness

Seasonal Changes: Depending on the season, there might be additional items in exit paths, like heaters in winter, which can be knocked over. Ensure these are secured or moved.

Stay Updated with Physical Needs: As the physical capabilities of seniors change, reassess their environment to ensure they can exit safely during and after an earthquake.

In the context of earthquakes, preparing the home environment is about more than just day-to-day comfort; it’s about ensuring the safety of seniors during one of nature’s most unpredictable events. Regularly revisiting and adjusting preparations can make all the difference in a crisis.

1.4 Practice Drills

Regular earthquake drills can be life-saving, especially for seniors, who might need more time to react or may not remember safety procedures unless practiced often. Here’s an expanded discussion on practicing drills and the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique tailored for seniors

1.4.1 The Importance for Seniors

Memory Retention: As we age, the ability to quickly recall information, especially during stressful situations, might diminish. Regular practice ingrains the safety steps.

Mobility Challenges: Seniors may have limited mobility or use aids like walkers or wheelchairs. Practicing helps them know what to do with these aids during a quake.

Confidence Building: Drills can give seniors the confidence to react correctly during an earthquake.

1.4.2 Understanding “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”

Drop: Immediately get down on your hands and knees. Seniors who can’t do this quickly should remain seated and protect their head and neck.

Cover: Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, like a table or desk. If there isn’t one nearby or getting under one isn’t feasible, seniors should cover their head and neck with their arms and stay away from windows or other potential hazards.

Hold On: If under furniture, hold onto it to remain protected from falling objects. If not under the table, stay in place until the shaking stops.

1.4.3 Tailoring Drills for Seniors

Simulate Real Scenarios: If a senior uses a walker or wheelchair, incorporate that into the drill. Practice how to lock the wheels of a wheelchair quickly or how to protect oneself when using a walker.

Choose Safe Spaces: Identify several safe places where a senior can “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in each room. Ensure these are free from potential falling hazards.

Gentle Alarms: Use a gentle alarm or notification for drill initiation, as a sudden loud noise might be startling.

Post-drill Discussion: Discuss any challenges faced after each drill and adjust future drills or safety plans accordingly.

1.4.4 Regular Scheduling and Reminders

Consistent Practice: Monthly drills can be beneficial. The more frequent the drills, the more ingrained the reactions become.

Calendar Marking: Mark drill dates on calendars or set device reminders to ensure regular practice.

Incorporate Family or Caregivers: If the senior lives with family or has a regular caregiver, involve them in the drills. They can provide assistance or feedback.

1.4.5 Community Involvement

Senior Centers and Activities: Many community centers offer earthquake preparedness activities. Encourage participation.

Neighbors: If other seniors or neighbors are nearby, consider organizing group drills. There’s strength in numbers, and having a community prepared can be invaluable.

Earthquake preparedness is not just about knowing what to do but also about being able to react correctly and promptly when the time comes. For seniors, this often means adapting traditional guidelines to their capabilities and practicing regularly to build muscle memory and confidence. Seniors can improve their chances of staying safe during an earthquake with preparation and practice.

RELATED: 7 steps how to plan and execute earthquake drills for your family