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Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Caregivers

Floods, earthquakes, tornados, snowstorms . . . wherever you live, there likely exists the potential for a variety of natural disasters that can create an emergency situation. When you’re caring for a loved one, it’s times like these that you’ll be thankful for having prepared for such a situation.

Please use this checklist to organize your emergency preparations. It should be used in conjunction with the Where to Find My Important Papers checklist.

QUESTION Yes No Comments
 Do I know the most important disaster issues for the area where I live (earthquakes, floods,etc)?      
 Do I know how I should respond to a disaster that might strike with little or no warning?      
 Do I know the recommended evacuation route if there were an evacuation order?      
 What are my transportation options?      
 Where is the nearest shelter?      
 Do I know where the shut off valves to my home are? Do I know how to shut them off? If special tools are needed, do I have them? Do I know where they are?      
 Do I have an emergency contact person who lives out of the area? Do my relatives or close friends know who this person is?      
 Do I know my neighbors in case we need to help each other in an emergency?      
 If I’m receiving home health services, have I discussed emergency procedures with the provider?      
 If I have special needs, do I have a plan for dealing with them in an emergency? ( Mobility, medical equipment, incontinence supplies, others)      
 If I live in a senior community, am I familiar with its emergency planning and procedures?      

Home Supplies Checklist

  • Drinking water (3-6 day supply)
  • Food (3-6 day supply, requires no cooking, high energy)
  • Flashlight (check batteries regularly)
  • Portable radio (check batteries regularly)
  • First aid kit
  • Spare batteries
  • Manual can opener
  • Light sticks
  • Waterproof matches
  • Medications
  • Medications list
  • Cell phone
  • Cash
  • Emergency medical form
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Backup prescription glasses
  • Extra clothes
  • Rain slicker
  • Walking shoes
  • Blankets
  • Water bottles
  • Dust masks
  • Other  ____________________________________

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