With today's troubling headlines, communities across the nation are more concerned than ever about their well-being as well as their ability to react quickly and appropriately in an emergency.

Seniors may be even more anxious about their ability to react quickly and appropriately when faced with an emergency situation. Mobility impairment, chemical sensitivities and dependability on life support systems, such as a respirator, may impact a senior's ability to escape.

The American Red Cross Together We Prepare program highlights five important steps everyone, including seniors, should take to prepare for a disaster: make a plan, build a kit, get trained, volunteer and give blood. These five actions can help us to protect ourselves and our loved ones whether we face house fires, hurricanes, acts of terrorism or other unforeseen events. Your local Red Cross chapter is equipped with tip sheets and information that may assist in planning for emergencies with seniors in mind.

In addition, the National Organization on Disability (NOD) Web site www.NOD.org provides numerous guides, tips and checklists that will help the senior community be prepared as well. The list of Web sites below from the National Organization on Disability may also help.

Fire Risks for Older Adults – in PDF format (click here for the text version). This U.S. Fire Administration report discusses the increased fire risks for older adults, and includes prevention guidelines for consumers and tips for fire rescue professionals.

Basic Tips in Emergency Preparedness for Seniors and People with Disabilities – This Web page provides some checklists and a useful Q&A from the Bay Area Emergency Preparedness Coalition.

Helping Clients in an Emergency – The Martin Homes newsletter describes how they prepare for natural or manmade disasters, taking into consideration residents’ various kinds of disabilities.

Recommendations for the Care of Mentally or Physically Challenged Persons and the Elderly in Emergencies – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) offers these guidelines to emergency professionals and community leaders for anticipating the needs of people with disabilities in a disaster.