Natural Disasters and How You Can Prepare For Them

A hurricane, flood, earthquake, fire, or other disaster can strike your area with little if any warning.   The Red Cross has created multiple plans to provide assistance.  In fact, they have preparedness information specifically for seniors and people with disabilities.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging has a comprehensive emergency readiness checklist available for older adults and caregivers.

Find out why older Americans should get ready now, such as:

1. Establishing a personal support network

2. If you are traveling, identify yourself to the registration desk that you may need assistance in the event of an emergency

3. Carrying multiple health cards with you (behind your driver's license or primary ID in your wallet), in your car, and in emergency supply kits which include your medications, equipment you use, allergies and sensitivities, communication difficulties

4. Preparing an emergency contact list, both in and out-of-town, to relay information and messages

5. Collecting and storing in sealed freezer bags your emergency documents including family records, deeds, charge and bank accounts, and social security numbers

6. Pre-assessing your own ability for shutting off utilities (if necessary), using a fire extinguisher, etc.  If you or someone you live with is unable to undertake these duties, take appropriate measures to get assistance.

Don't be a victim of the next natural disaster.  Get ready now.

A Great Website--And It Isn't Even Mine!

I'm not going to recommend something for you that I wouldn't use myself.

I just found one of the most useful websites (and believe me, I've researched hundreds, maybe thousands). It's FREE, EASY, and packed with valuable information.

Seniorclix is a winner. It suggests online courses; it provides information via directories and a library, and furnishes access to important forms. Take "Planning a Funeral or Memorial Service," for example. 3 pages of large readable print can supply you with a thorough decision-making form, including your choice of music, pallbearers, ushers, etc.

Retrieve national, state, and community directories for nursing facilities, home health care agencies, assisted living facilities, hospice care, geriatric care manager, Alzheimer's care facilities, and community services.

Scour a collection of articles, brochures, and websites which advise you on advance directives, computers, family caregiving, financial issues, finding urgent help, healthcare websites, helpful forms and checklists, independent living, issues near the end of life, legal topic, navigating the health care system, nursing home care, and staying healthy and active.

Arm yourself with free forms such as advance directives, patients rights, caregiver forms, healthy living, hospice care, independent and assisted living, and nursing home care, as well as a checklist for older drivers, a checklist for purchasing private insurance, selecting a private case management professional, evaluation home health care, personal information, medical bill payment records, net worth statement, questions to ask a chore service provider, and a sample living will.