While visiting with a group of friends this past week the question came up, “If there is a disaster, are we prepared for it?”

Someone responded, “What could happen up here in the north country?” Many who live in our state probably have the same attitude. Yet are we safe from all types of disasters?

Granted, the chances are less for us than for people who live in other areas of our country. Yet we still need to ask ourselves, “Are we prepared?” I know that I have not paid enough attention to the fact that no mater where a person lives a disaster can happen. Natural disasters such as tornados, floods, forest fires, ice storms and blizzards do occur in Minnesota. A few other disasters that could occur are train derailments with toxic waste, factory fires with toxic fumes and an influenza pandemic. We should not be paranoid or scared but we should be prepared. The following are steps to be taken in order to be prepared.

We should know our evacuation routes and nearest shelters, know the location of shut off valves for gas, water and electricity and how to use them. Know your neighbors so we can help each other in an emergency.

Have emergency supplies for your home to last a least six days, paying attention to expiration dates and rotate when necessary. These supplies should include drinking water, food that is nonperishable and ready-to-eat, flashlight, portable radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, hand-operated can opener, light sticks, matches, prescription drugs, medication list, cell phone, cash or travelers checks and an emergency contact list.   

Have an evacuation bag that has room for some of the items listed above and the following: Personal hygiene items, change of clothing, walking shoes, and a blanket or sleeping bag.

Other considerations: make sure the gas tank of your car is at least half full, have spare hearing aid batteries and an emergency supply of pet food. Make a personal plan if you have special needs, mobility issues, medical equipment that requires electric power and incontinence supplies. If you are receiving home health care, know what special needs you have and how to take of those needs.

With information learned from past disasters nationwide we know that about 13 million people age 50 or older state they will need help to evacuate and about half will require help from someone outside of their household. I hope and pray we will never be in a situation where we will need to rely on using our preparations for any disaster in our country.

The Minnesota Senior Federation board of directors and general assembly meetings for the months of November, December and January will be by teleconference as we will avoid traveling in the winter months.