Dangerous weather events can lead to evacuations and in the worst case scenarios loss of property and life. In the last few years, Polk County has experienced mudslides, snowstorms and effects from hurricanes. All Polk County residents should have a preparedness plan in place to keep themselves, their families and their pets and livestock safe. These plans are even more critical this year due to COVID-19. Having a safe place to go that limits interactions with large groups of people who are evacuating a dangerous area is extremely important this year.
To receive NIXLE alerts about weather events and other emergency situations in Polk County, text your zip code to 888777.
The American Red Cross has strategies for being prepared in case of disasters and recommends that you review, practice and refresh your plan, supplies and important documents now and every six months:
Develop Your Plan
· Plan to stay or go: Plan to stay home for at least two weeks or evacuate.
· Help to evacuate: If you need help evacuating, plan who will help you.
· Power needs: If you require power to operate medical devices or keep medicines cold, make a back-up plan.
· Fire safety: Identify two ways out of every room to escape a home fire and plan for the help you may need.
· Property or renter’s insurance: Make sure you have a policy that meets your property and disaster coverage needs.
Create a Communication Plan
Make an emergency contact list and plan how you’ll reach your support group and important emergency contacts when communications may be disrupted. Download and print an Emergency Contact Card.
Gather Your Supplies
· Get basic emergency supplies: Use a checklist to prepare what you’ll need in your home, car or when you evacuate. Consider using this checklist of emergency kit supplies.
· Manage medical and personal needs: Keep at least 30 days of medications and extra assistive items. Plan for your food needs if you follow a special diet.
· Get batteries to back up power dependent devices.
Prepare Key Documents
· Locate important documents: Use a checklist to collect and copy documents including identifications, financial, legal and medical papers you’ll need to help you recover. FEMA’s Financial Planning Guide offers tips.
· Keep an up-to-date list of medical information about your conditions, allergies, medications, prescription records, doctors and insurance cards.
The American Red Cross also has an Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults page with tips specific to older adults that include:
Assessing Your Needs
· Understand how your medical, physical and cognitive needs may affect your ability to respond to a disaster or emergency.
· Think about how you would respond: Consider needs you may have if the power went out, you had to stay home for two weeks or more, or if you had to evacuate your home or community.
· Talk about the help you may need and who could assist you.
Build Your Support Network
· Identify helpers: Include family, friends, neighbors, caregivers and care providers to build your network of people who may be able to assist you or that you can assist.
· Meet with your helpers to assess your needs and plan together.
· Plan how you’ll communicate with helpers.