September is National Preparedness Month

How would you, as an older adult, heat your home in the middle of a winter storm if the power went out? If there is an evacuation order for a flooded area on your grandparent’s street, how would they travel to a shelter or safe location? Does your older adult neighbor have a plan and supplies for an emergency? If not, now is the best time to get an emergency plan in place!

National Preparedness Month occurs each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. This year’s focus is Preparing for Older Adults. We know older adults can face greater risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and emergencies we now face, especially if they are living alone, are low-income, have a disability, or live in rural areas. It is important that older adults are just as prepared (if not more!) as the rest of the community.

Here are some tips from Ready.gov for older adults on preparedness.

Know which types of disasters could call for an evacuation or to shelter in place. Create a plan for what to do in both cases.

Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to our local emergency station (station WXK41, frequency 162.475 MHz) and monitor TV and radio for warnings about severe weather in our area.

Sign up for Dodge County Code Red to be notified of emergency situations. Sign up at https://www.co.dodge.mn.us/new_departments/emergency_management.php .

Plan how you will communicate if you have a communication need.

Plan for enough food, water, and essentials for you and pets or service animals for three days.

Plan for transportation if you need assistance evacuating.

Include items that meet your individual needs, such as medicines, medical supplies, batteries and chargers, in your emergency supply kit.

Plan how to have assistive devices with you during an evacuation.

Make copies of Medicaid, Medicare, and other insurance cards.

For more detailed information on how to best prepare for disasters as an older adult or to assist an older adult with their preparedness, go to www.ready.gov/older-adults .

Dodge County Public Health (DCPH) serves the residents and community of Dodge County by providing critical health services and improving the community’s health outcomes. Employees at DCPH partner and collaborate with community-based organizations to prevent injury and the spread of disease, promote healthy behaviors, and protect against hazards. DCPH has been addressing community health issues and serving the public since 1922.

Call (507) 635-6150 or visit https://www.co.dodge.mn.us/departments/public_health.php  for more information.