September is National Preparedness Month: Is Your Family Ready?

September is National Preparedness Month, which reminds us that emergencies can happen at any time. Having a plan for wildfires, power outages, earthquakes, storms, or other disasters can lower stress, keep everyone safer, and help meet your loved ones' needs.

Family caregivers need to do some extra planning. If you care for someone with memory loss, a chronic illness, mobility challenges, or other special needs, having an emergency plan and a well-stocked kit can make a big difference in a crisis.

Create a Plan Before an Emergency Happens

A clear emergency plan helps your family act quickly and with confidence during a disaster. Begin by finding out what risks exist in your area. Talk with your household about how you will communicate and where you will go if you need to leave home. Remember to include pets and service animals in your plans.

The American Red Cross suggests creating a personal support team. This team can include family, friends, neighbors, healthcare providers, or someone out of town who can help if your main caregiver is not available during an emergency. Share key information and make sure everyone knows how they can help keep your loved one safe.

Build an Emergency Go-Kit

Every household should keep emergency supplies on hand. For caregivers, it is especially important to plan for possible problems with medical care, transportation, utilities, and getting to the pharmacy.

Each household member's go-bag should contain:

• At least a 7- to 14-day supply of prescription medications

• Water and nonperishable food

• Extra clothing and incontinence supplies, if needed

• A current medication list, including dosages and names of prescribing physicians

• Copies of medical records and insurance cards

• A list of allergies, diagnoses and medical conditions

• Cash, as ATMs and credit card systems may be unavailable during a disaster.

• Important contact information for family members, healthcare providers, and your support team

The Red Cross also recommends keeping a stay-at-home emergency kit with at least two weeks of supplies. Store important personal, medical, financial, and legal documents in a safe place.

Review Your Plan Regularly

Being prepared is an ongoing process. Check and update your emergency plan and supplies every six months.

Remember to:

• Check medication expiration dates.

• Replace batteries

• Update emergency contacts

• Review insurance and medical information.

• Ensure your support team has current information and a copy of your plan.

Including a written care plan in your emergency kit can be very helpful if someone else needs to provide care unexpectedly.

Supporting a Loved One with Memory Loss During a Disaster

Emergencies can be very confusing and scary for people with dementia or memory loss. How caregivers communicate during these times can make a big difference in how a loved one reacts.

When discussing an emergency:

• Make eye contact and say the person's name before speaking.

• Use a calm, reassuring tone.

• Speak slowly and give only one or two pieces of information at a time.

• Avoid appearing rushed or frustrated.

• Offer physical reassurance, such as holding their hand if appropriate.

• Do not quiz them about the event or ask, "Do you remember?"

A helpful approach is to practice the Four Rs:

Reassure

Use a calm voice and simple statements such as, "I'm here with you" or "You're safe with me." Reassurance helps reduce fear and anxiety.

Reconsider

Try to understand the situation from your loved one's perspective rather than expecting them to process information the way you do.

Redirect

If your loved one gets upset, gently guide them to a calming activity. Listening to music, humming, singing, or looking at familiar photos can help.

Relax

Your loved one often follows your lead. Keeping your voice, body language, and surroundings calm can help everyone feel safer. Try to reduce loud noises and distractions when you can.

Start Preparing Today

Being prepared is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved one. Taking time now to build a support network, organize important documents, and gather emergency supplies can help your family respond safely and with confidence when something unexpected happens.

For a complete emergency kit checklist, visit redcross.org/kit. Additional preparedness information for people with access and functional needs is available from the American Red Cross.

You can also contact your Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center Family Consultant for resources and support.