RENO, NEVADA 10 SEPTEMBER 2020— According to new research from the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and the American Academy of Nursing, older adults are more vulnerable and experience more casualties after a natural disaster compared to other age groups.
During National Preparedness Month, the Red Cross of Northern Nevada encourages everyone, especially older adults, to get ready for emergencies. With wildfires a major ongoing threat to residents in northern Nevada, the Red Cross strongly urges advanced preparedness, especially for the most vulnerable or those needing special accommodations. Photos from California clearly show the devastating impact wildfires can have and underscore the critical importance of having a plan, building a kit, and staying informed.
Being prepared for disasters is important for people of all ages. But there are several factors that make older adults more vulnerable during a natural disaster:
• Older adults may have more chronic conditions and medication concerns.
• They may depend more on assistive devices like walkers, eyeglasses, and support from caregivers.
• Living in social isolation can also make them more vulnerable.
“We all care deeply about the older adults in our lives, and during this pandemic they are more vulnerable than ever,” said Mary Powell, executive director of the Northern Nevada chapter. “Now is the time to help them assess their needs and assist in making a plan, before an emergency occurs.”
PREPARE IN ADVANCE
• To be prepared, older adults should think about what they would do during a disaster before it occurs. Understand how your medical, physical, and cognitive needs may affect your ability to respond if you had to stay in your home for two weeks or more, or if you had to evacuate. Building a support network and identifying helpers such as family, friends, neighbors, caregivers, and care providers who can assist is vital. Older adults should meet with these supporters and decide how to communicate in an emergency.
• Additional research findings and resources, including our new Disaster and Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults checklist and booklet, are available at redcross.org/olderadults.
DISASTERS DURING A PANDEMIC
• While preparing for emergencies is a little different this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the three basic preparation steps remain the same for everyone: Build a Kit, Make a Plan and Be Informed.
o Assemble two kits of emergency supplies (a stay-at-home kit and an evacuation kit) and a one-month supply of prescription medication. Include personal hygiene items, cleaning and disinfectant supplies and cloth face coverings. Some supplies may be hard to get due to the pandemic, and availability may worsen in a disaster, so it’s important to gather supplies while they are still available.
• Disasters can force people to leave their homes, even in areas under pandemic stay-at-home mandates. By having an emergency plan your family can react quickly if a disaster occurs.
• Ask friends or relatives outside your area if you would be able to stay with them.
• Check and see if they have any COVID-19 symptoms or have people in their home at higher risk for serious illness. If they do, make other arrangements.
• Check with hotels, motels, and campgrounds to see if they are open and if pets are allowed.
• Stay current on advice and restrictions from public health authorities as it may affect your actions, available resources, and shelter facilities.
• Learn first aid and CPR skills so you’ll know what to do until emergency help arrives.
Download the free Red Cross Emergency App for weather alerts and information on what to do before, during and after disasters.
Additional resources for preparing during the COVID-19 pandemic are available at redcross.org/coronavirus.
As you prepare for disasters, the Red Cross is preparing too. The need for volunteers in Northern Nevada continues to be great. To learn more about the many volunteer positions available, visit redcross.org/volunteer.