Free Disaster Preparedness Brochure Available for Virginia Seniors

Source: AARP.org | July 24, 2006

A brochure—Disaster Preparedness for Seniors—is available free from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (UDEM).

AARP Virginia is cooperating with UDEM for the distribution of the free brochure and urges Virginians 50+ to get one. It contains important information about understanding what emergencies can happen to you; how to create a disaster plan; what important emergency tips you need to know and what to do when the disaster is over. Obtaining a copy is particularly important now that hurricane season has officially started.

The following are types of information included in the brochure.

When an Emergency Occurs

• Follow your plan
• Listen to local radio or television for information about what you should do
• Be prepared to evacuate your home if authorities instruct you to do so
• Check for fires, electrical or other household hazards
• Check on your neighbors
• Call your family contact to check in
• Avoid driving except to evacuate
• Be alert for road hazards, such as flooding
• Never drive through floodwaters; they might be deep enough to carry your vehicle away

If Electricity is Lost

• Notify the power company immediately if you and your neighbors have lost power
• Use a flashlight, not candles or kerosene lanterns, which are fire hazards
• Keep a traditional, non-cordless telephone available; it doesn ' t require household electricity to operate
• Turn off all major appliances
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
• If you have a portable generator, only use it outside in a well-ventilated area, away from doors and windows
• In cold weather, be prepared to drain water lines, pumps, supply lines and boilers because they can freeze and burst when power is lost

Emergency Supplies
Have enough supplies on hand to last at least three days for each household member:

• One gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food and a manual can opener
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit with at least a week ' s supply of medications and an extra pair of eye glasses
• Sanitation supplies including toilet paper, soap, plastic garbage bags and personal hygiene items
• Extra clothing and blankets or sleeping bag
• Extra set of car keys, cash in small denominations or traveler ' s checks
• Special needs items for infant, elderly or disabled household members

Free copies of the brochure may be ordered from UDEM:

• On the Internet
• Via e-mail
• Or by calling toll-free 1-866-782-3470