4 minute read
Red Cross emergency prepardness
Canadian Red Cross releases emergency Canadian Red Cross releases emergency preparedness guide for the elderly preparedness guide for the elderly
The Canadian Red Cross released an emergency preparedness guide for older adults in an effort to mitigate some of the stress and unpredictability that comes along with the ever-increasing threat of climate-caused evacuations and other emergencies.
In collaboration with the National Institute for Aging, Canadian Red Cross released their ‘Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults Guide’ earlier this year. The guide aims to prepare older adults for the possible effects of a natural disaster or other emergency, a segment of the population which often experiences the highest level of impact during these events. The key to preparedness, according to the guide, is advanced planning.
“It is very important for older adults and their families or caregivers to create a plan before an emergency or disaster strikes,” said Melanie Soler, vice-president of emergency management for Canadian Red Cross.
“There are three main considerations for people when it comes to emergency preparedness, which are to know the risks, make a plan, and build an emergency kit.”
Due to the unpredictable and uncomfortable nature of a possible emergency, the Red Cross said in its guide that older adults and their caregivers should familiarize themselves with emergency and evacuation procedures, learn to identify any possible challenges that may arise as a result of the emergency, and build an emergency preparedness kit.
According to the Canadian Red Cross, older adults are the most likely to face challenges with access to heating and air conditioning equipment, housing conditions, and poor coordination between emergency, health, and social services. This means emergencies and natural disasters, such as the November 2021 flooding event, can have a heightened impact on the aging population.
of a possible emergency, the Red Cross said in its guide that older adults and their caregivers should familiarize themselves with emergency and evacuation procedures, learn to identify any possible challenges that may arise as a result of the emergency, and build an emergency preparedness kit.
According to the Canadian Red Cross, older adults are the most likely to face challenges with access to heating and air conditioning equipment, housing conditions, and poor coordination between emergency, health, and social services. This means emergencies and natural disasters, such as the November 2021 flooding event, can have a heightened impact on the aging population.
“We hope older adults and their caregivers will take the time to review this guide and implement the suggestions, as some preparation in advance of an event could help to mitigate potential harm and distress that could come from an emergency or disaster,” added Soler.
The guide, available for free online, breaks down emergency preparedness and response into three sections: before, during, and after. The sections include education resources, real life examples, as well as tips for both older adults and carers. A portion of the guide is dedicated to recovery from an emergency or natural disaster, and highlights the importance of building a support network made up of trusted individuals.
The carer’s section of the guide details how to assess an older adults’ medical, physical and cognitive needs, factors which may affect their ability to respond to an emergency or natural disaster. A full, 16-page document is available, as well as a two-page reference sheet for convenience.
To access the guide, and for more information on the Canadian Red Cross, visit www.redcross.ca/ ready.
Merritt Herald 2021People’s Choice AWARD
Let our courteous and professional staff treat you to a hot meal and acold beverage, while you enjoy watching a game, or socializing with friends in our comfortable atmosphere! COME IN AND TRY OUR DAILYSPECIALS
and our Famous
PEOPLE’S
BEST PUB/BAR, STEAK, WINGS & BUSINESS OWNER
Home-made Meals! 250- 315-1022
3701 De Wolf Way, Merritt(Take Exit 290 Off Hwy 5)
| The Golden Years www.merrittherald.com | The Golden Years
As we age we often experience increased aches and pains.
Massage therapy can help to relieve many of them.
TREATING CONDITIONS SUCH AS:
Improvebalance,posture and flexibility. Rehab aftersurgery,help to combatdepression. Whiplash, tension headaches, muscle injuries hip,lower back and should pain.
Iamable to bill most extended medical plans including: Blue Cross, Green Shield, SunLife, ManuLife and Great WestLife JAMARA JOYAL
MASSAGE THERAPY Jamara Joyal, BC RMT APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE: Tuesday to Saturday (250) 378-6469
The DENTAL CLINIC
Dr.S.K. Saini Inc.
Dr. Saini andhis staff offer gentle and effective dental care for youand your family, in awarm,friendly& safe environment.
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME
ALL INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED Including Status, Healthy Kids &Ministry Offering service in Punjabi, Hindi and English
