It's been windy and raining. Sounds like pretty much every season here except for a brief summer. However, the rain is becoming decidedly more sideways--and sometime even stings when the wind pushes it.
While there's no indication that winter will bring another BIG STORM like several years ago, winter can still cause some problems. More of us rely on power for our cordless phones (good idea to keep an old landline phone around just in case), or condensers for oxygen, nebulizers and so on.
Some keep oxygen tanks on hand for just such a situation, some do not. Before we move on, though, remember that in emergency power outages, Fire Departments have generators and they might be able to help if an extended problem occurs.
Also keep in mind Pacific County Emergency Services, at 360 642 9340/360 875 9340.
The Red Cross (www.redcross.org) has a ton of information on their site and it's easy to move around to various topics. One of the best reference guides I've found (and mention from time to time) is available for download: Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors. Yep--organized and written by seniors who know what they (and possibly you) might need.
This informative booklet covers not only storms, but fires, getting medical and other emergency supplies ready, etc. It also has several pages that are designed for you to make your own individualized lists, like what you need and your personal emergency contacts.
Since I believe you are perfectly capable of reading for yourself if you're reading this, I won't go over every page and detail. However, let's look at a few of the main points pertaining to what to consider:
· First Aid Kit. Since you might not be able to just get to the bathroom and dig out what you need, think about a kit that specifically meets your needs. (The generic kits on the market are better than none, but most of us aren't "generic".) Think of a current meds list, and allergy notes, spare glasses, batteries for hearing aids, etc.
· Emergency Contacts. We tend to assume that others know who to call if we have a problem--not so. And maybe years ago you made such a list--are they still available? Make sure people contact who YOU want them to contact.
· Flashlights or lanterns. Again, remember batteries. There are also inexpensive battery powered stick-on lights you can place around your home. And little penlight flashlights you can keep in your pocket or purse are also a good way to go.
· Bedside Items. Should a problem arise, you'll need to be able to at least get to your emergency stuff, right? Flashlight by the bed, comfortable shoes, a sweater or jacket can be really helpful if you wake-up to no power.
Obviously the list could go on and on, but these seem like major items that can make a great first effort. Maybe we won't need any of this. Maybe we will.
Getting them together in the midst of an emergency is a non-winner at best.
Make your kit your own--and check it occasionally. It could make all the difference.
Information & Assistance
Long Beach: 642 3634 or (888) 571 6558 Raymond: 942 2177/ (888) 571 6557
www.o3a.org
Doug Sheaffer
Direct Services Supervisor
Pacific County
O3A/Information & Assistance
360 642 3634, ext. 11