Throughout the year, Emergency Management and Public Health will help you plan your emergency kit and provide ideas on items to add or replenish.

Preparedness for Seniors

Each person's needs and abilities are unique: every individual should take time to prepare for emergencies and put plans in place. By evaluating your own personal needs and making a plan, you can be better prepared for any situation. This page will provide tips on preparations seniors can make to have the right supplies on hand in an emergency. Visit the Developing a Communication Plan page for information helpful to seniors on creating a support network to assist in an emergency.

Plan to make it on your own, at least for a period of time. In the event of an emergency, it's possible that you will not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. Identify what kind of resources you use on a daily basis and what you might do if they are limited or not available. Prepare an emergency supply kit and modify it to fit your needs in the event that medical supplies are not readily available.

Medications and Medical Supplies

• If you take medicine or use a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need to make it on your own for at least a week, maybe longer. Make a list of over-the-counter and prescription medicines including dosage, treatment and allergy information.Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what else you need to prepare.
• If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans.
• Consider other personal needs such as eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, and oxygen.

Emergency Documents

Keep these documents in a water proof container for quick and easy access.

• Include copies of important documents such as family records, medical records, wills, deeds, social security number, charge and bank accounts information and tax records. Have copies of your medical insurance and Medicare cards readily available.
• Keep a list of the style and serial number of medical devices or other life-sustaining devices. Include operating information and instructions.
• Make sure that a friend or family member has copies of these documents.
• Include the names and contact information of your support network, as well as your medical providers.
• If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information notes the best way to communicate with you.

For more information, visit http://ready.wi.gov.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer