Survival Gear

Accidents can and do happen even if you have taken measures towards preventing them, but having the necessary materials on hand greatly increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Because many senior citizens tend to live on their own, and are also more susceptible to injuries like fractures or health scares like strokes or a sudden drop in blood pressure, it is all the more important that they have a well-stocked home emergency kit that is easily accessible during the panic that ensues after an emergency.

Following is a list of ten things you should stock in a senior’s home emergency kit, and although this list is by no means comprehensive, it does cover the essentials.

1. Central file with emergency contacts and medical information

It is extremely important to have a file on hand that caregivers or health care workers can access quickly during an emergency. The file should contain contact information for a senior’s doctor, pharmacy, insurance company and emergency contact person.

Other important information, such as allergies, power of attorney, and a list of all medications they are taking including the dosages and times should be included.

2. Blood pressure monitor, glucometer and/or AED

If a senior becomes unwell, it is important that caregivers have access to a blood pressure monitor and glucometer in order to correctly assess the situation.

An AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) is pricey, but it could save your loved one’s life, as most sudden cardiac arrests lead to death if not treated within minutes. Make sure regular caregivers have adequate training in the usage of an AED.

3. Basic first aid materials

Of course, the emergency kit should contain all the basic first aid materials that a regular one would, such as adhesive bandages, disinfectant, gauze, scissors, alcohol wipes, tweezers, cotton balls and swabs, safety pins and gloves.

4. Medication

Medication is also important in an emergency. This can include things like fever reducer, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, and antibiotics (if you can get them). Pain reliever is also a welcome addition, as sprains, bumps and bruises can be extremely painful even if they aren’t life-threatening.

5. Battery powered flashlight

If there is a blackout or the senior is unable to reach the light switches due to an injury, a flashlight can be extremely useful finding the necessary emergency supplies and medications.

6. Cell phone with external battery pack

Along with a regular cell phone, it is a good idea to include a simple emergency cell phone in the kit, in case a senior is unable to get to their other cell phone. This should be stored along with an external battery pack or a car charger.

7. Cold compress

Simple sprains and bruises caused by falls can be eased immediately with a cold compress, and can prevent excess swelling later on. Chemical type compresses can be stored with an emergency kit and are easy to dispose of and replace.

8. Blanket

Although most homes will have blankets, it helps to have everything in one place during an emergency. If a senior goes into shock after a fall or scare, it will be necessary to keep them warm and calm until emergency services arrive, and an emergency thermal blanket can easily be stored along with the other supplies.

9. Magnifying glass

Seniors often have trouble reading the small lettering on medications and other important emergency supplies, and including a magnifying glass can make it easier for them to make out the directions or ingredients on packaging, even in poor lighting.

10. Antibiotic ointment and burn gel

When water and soap is not immediately available, antibiotic ointment can clean out a wound and prevent infection. It should, however, not be used on burns, so a good burn gel is also useful to include.

Many times the electrical power goes out, sometimes during a disaster and sometimes for other reasons. During these times, we do not have interior lighting unless you have emergency power, such as a gasoline powered generator or large solar panels. If you are like me, you cannot afford those options.

I have tried candles to illuminate the inside of my home. The problem with them is that they burn down fast, are a fire hazard and give off very little light.

Kerosene hurricane lamps also fall into the above category and have the same problems.

I have tried battery operated flashlights also. However, the batteries burn out rather quickly. Batteries are hard to find after a disaster, if you can find an open store. If you must use a flashlight, use only the ones that use LEDs to produce the light. LEDs use a lot less power, so the batteries last a lot longer.

I have tried “Crank” flash lights. Every brand that I have ever used, the crank handle breaks. This leaves the flash light useless.

One day I was in “Harbor Freight” just looking around and I found a box marked “Solar Spotlight Set”. This particular one is model number 60562. Written on the box was, “Eight (8) hour run time on a six (6) hour charge”. The lights automatically come on in the dark and go off in the light. The light has three (3) LEDs to produce the light.

It is charged by sunlight using an included “Amorphous Silicon Solar Panel”. The solar panel mounts on the top of the light making one whole unit. The back of the light unscrews and reveals two (2) AA rechargeable batteries, included. These batteries can easily be replaced if the ones that comes with the light ever go bad. They come two (2) Solar Spotlights per box. The sticker stated, Normal Price $19.99, On Sale for $14.99.

If you read any magazines that have a “Harbor Freight” advertisement in it, look closely at it. You will find a 20% off coupon which you can use on ANY purchase, including the one mentioned above.

I purchased a box of the lights. When I got home, I took one of the solar lights out of the box and mounted it outside on my wooden fence to test it. (See photo) That has been over a year ago and the light still comes on every night. Surprisingly they give off more light than what I expected.

I have since purchased three (3) more boxes of the lights. I store them with my emergency supplies.

During the next prolonged power outage, I plan to place all of the lights in the sun to charge. Then, when night falls, take them inside and place them where I need light. The next morning when I get up, I plan on placing them back in the sun to recharge, while I go about doing whatever I need to do. Then repeat the process that night.