SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – September is National Emergency Preparedness Month, and it’s especially important for older adults to think about what to do when faced with an emergency.
“Calm down. That’s the first thing. Don’t get excited. Focus,” said 76-year old Oma Singh who learned how to make an emergency “Go” bag at her local senior center.
“You put your medication, you put little clothes, food to eat, dry foods, water,” said Singh.
The California Department of Aging says now is the time for older adults to get prepared for the next disaster.
“[Have] a bag with all your important documents, emergency supplies, and just head out the door, and get ready to go,” said Issac Galindo with St. Barnabas Senior Services in Los Angeles.
Galindo recommends seniors get digitally connected by signing up for emergency alerts in their area.
Natural disasters can shut down power for days so it is also recommended for families and older adults to prepare a “stay” bag.
78-year-old Prince Junior’s stay-at-home supplies include freeze-dried food, bottled water, a flashlight, radio and a butane hot plate.