With Mother Nature on a rampage at times with extreme cold, devastating heat, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes, being prepared is smart. With elder care, it goes beyond basic necessities when preparing for a disaster though. So here are some things to do to be prepared for a disaster for both you and your senior loved one.

First of all, learn what kinds of potential threats are located in your area. Then make a plan in case one should occur. This planning can be for what to do in case of a house fire or a medical emergency; to for an earthquake, a hurricane or an ice storm. Locate the community resources in your area and how authorities will communicate with you. Do the authorities communicate through local TV, NOAA Weather Radio Stations or fire sirens? What are your communities response plans, where are shelters located and what type of evacuation plans are used?

So with all of this in mind then, have a communication plan established in the event of an emergency with your loved one. How will you and your loved one contact each other in all events? Is there a common meeting place where everyone can meet?

What about a fire or a disaster? How do you escape from each room if one occurs? You need to go over with your loved one two different ways to escape from each room. Practice your plan so your loved one is familiar with it and is comfortable with it. Also purchase escape ladders for any room that is above level. Remind your loved one that if he or she sees smoke in the first escape route to use the alternative route. Have a place to meet outside after escaping too.

Have an emergency kit ready and make sure your loved one knows where it is and can reach it easily. Some things to include in the kit are:

• A three-day supply of non-perishable food for each person
• A three-day supply of drinking water. You will need one gallon of water per day, per person.
• A portable battery operated radio or TV and extra batteries for backup
• Flashlight and extra batteries besides the ones for the radio or TV
• A first aid kit with a manual
• You will need moist towelettes and toilet paper.
• Put matches in a waterproof container.
• Have extra clothing on hand and blankets
• You will need basic kitchen accessories and utensils for cooking.
• A manual can opener
• You will need a multipurpose tool like a Swiss army knife.
• Copies of important papers, credit and ID cards
• Extra cash and coins
• Special needs items such as prescriptions, medications; eye glasses and hearing aids’ batteries

If your loved one has a wheelchair or mobility issue, you will need to figure out how to evacuate using the wheelchair. If your loved one is blind or has a vision problem, have him or her keep an extra cane by the bed, and attach a whistle to it so you can find him or her if you two become separated. If your senior has a hearing problem, have he or she keep the hearing aids in an easy to reach container by the bed.

Being prepared is conquering half the problem when disaster strikes; being ready and alert will keep you and your loved one safe.