Show #404 Airing Sunday, 10/21/07
A natural disaster can strike at any time. In Ohio, we've had terrible flooding, devastating blizzards, even tornados. And sadly, when disaster unexpectedly hits, seniors are often hit the hardest. Are you prepared if disaster should strike? Here to help is Sheila Niles, director of community projects and elder health at the Visiting Nurse Association of Cleveland.
Question: Do we here in Ohio really have to worry about natural disasters?
Answer: Yes, we do. There are all types of emergency disaster situations: floods, tornadoes, heat, thunderstorms, blizzards, power outages, etc.
In 2006, Ohio had two disasters declared by the President. We recently had one in Findlay with all the flooding.
Even though the need is there, it's estimated that only 4 in 10 Americans are ready for a disaster...and only 25% of major cities in America are prepared as well.
Seniors, especially those with mobility issues, are most at risk.
Question: I understand the Visiting Nurse Association has developed a program to help meet this need.
Answer: Yes, it's called the Ready Seniors Program, and its goal is to teach seniors how to survive the first hours after an emergency hits, before emergency responders arrive.
We ask seniors 28 "yes" and "no" questions. Based on their answers, they receive a personalized print out of the steps they can take to become more prepared in the fact of an emergency.
Question: Let's go over some of these steps.
Answer: First, there are things the seniors need to know;
- where do they turn off the water? Why?
- What should you do if you smell gas?
- Where is the safest place in their home?
Next, there are things that they need to do.
- Have they set a communication plan with their family?
- Who calls whom in case of an emergency?
- At what number?
- Have they planned an evacuation route out of their house?
- Do they have transportation set up in case they need to leave?
Finally, there are things one needs to get.
- Is there enough water for 3 days (remember to include pets' needs as well).
- Stock up on non-perishable food items.
- Make sure you have a 3-day supply of prescription medication available.
- If you take many medications, focus in on life-savings ones: insulin, medication for breathing, and for the heart.
Question: Do seniors find these tips helpful?
Answer: In May, we screened 200 local seniors with Ready Seniors questions and gave them their personalized report.
Two months later, we followed up with them to see what they had done, what they found helpful, what they found easiest to accomplish, and what they found the most challenging.
Question: And soon, we'll be able to measure our emergency preparedness from our own home, correct?
Answer: The State of Ohio has given us the money to put Ready Seniors online. It will be available in November.
So does your survival know-how pass the test? To learn more, take the Ready Seniors Test. Give the Visiting Nurse Association of Cleveland a call at the number that's next. My thanks to Sheila Niles.
