CARE Senior Assistance for Emergencies

In case of emergency, consider having the following:

• A one-week supply of water. Allow one gallon of water a day for each person. You can buy bottled water or you can fill clean empty plastic containers with tap water and store. Never use a container that has held unsafe materials.
• A supply of non-perishable food that doesn’t need to be cooked or refrigerated. Suggested foods: canned fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, beans, stews, soup, dried fruits and nuts, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, ready-to-eat cereals, powdered milk, cookies and juices.
• Non-perishable foods that meet your special dietary needs.
• A non-electric can opener to open canned food.
• Extra pet supplies if you have a pet
• A first aid kit

Tips

• Keep prescription medications filled and maintain a supply of over-the-counter drugs that are used regularly
• Keep an up-to-date list of the medications on your health card (available at CARE)
• Have warm clothing,_selfets, and a flashlight with an extra supply of fresh batteries.
• Keep a battery-powered AM-FM radio. This is an important communication link for news.
• Fill a back pack with things you will need and keep it handy.
• Keep some cash on hand.
• Consider filling your car’s gas tank when the gauge shows it’s half-empty.
• Check your home heating oil tank to make sure the gauge is in good condition and the oil tank is full.
• Keep emergency phone numbers near the phone.
• In the event that phone service fails, develop a plan now to ensure that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
• Plan and practice escape routes from your home in case of fire.
• During power failures, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns; DO NOT use candles or oil lamps as they could cause fires.
• Make sure fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are tested regularly and are working properly and buy extra batteries for the smoke detector.
• Contact a friend or neighbor who lives near your loved one and is able to look in on them.