Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/15933
Plan for Life’s Emergencies by MARTHA OWEN AND SUSAN GUY This time of year in eastern North Carolina, the weather is dominated by poten- tial tropical storms developing into hurricanes. Over the years, our state has been devastated by the impact these storms have had not only on property but the toll it takes on our citizens and communities. Preparing for natural disasters should be a priority for all families living in North Carolina. Predicting the path of these tropical storms, hurricanes or any natural disaster is not an exact science and every precau- tion should be taken to ensure the safety and well being of our loved ones. During an emergency or crisis – natural or man-made – hospital emergency departments rapidly fill up with seniors. Floods, fires, power outages, pandemics, not to mention hot humid summers with extreme heat waves, are all potentially danger- ous scenarios for seniors. They are especially dangerous if the senior lives alone. “We can never do enough when it comes to preparing seniors and their fami- lies for emergencies or catastrophes,” says Susan Guy of Home Instead Senior Care. “Extra consideration is required for those who live alone or in high-rises and who may be confined to a wheelchair or hospital bed. Much attention has been given to the prevention of falls, and while that’s very important, we often lose sight of having emergency plans. If people have these plans in place, you may prevent a trip to the hospital.” “Seniors who live alone must have a lifeline in case of an emergency,” Guy says. “This means having emergency numbers visible by the phone, making sure that fire alarms and smoke detectors work, and having an emergency kit. Most people don’t have one and only think about it after the fact. We always conduct a home-safety check for our new clients and this is very helpful.” Of course, it’s critical during emergencies that agencies work together. This includes police and fire departments, Emergency Management Services (EMS), pub- lic health units, paramedics, and hospitals. The idea is that with coordinated care and community support, seniors can live in their own homes safely and avoid hospitaliza- tion. This includes during a crisis or emergency situation. Home Instead Senior Care has devised a 10-point check list to help seniors pre- pare for disasters: 1. Contact the local emergency management office to learn about the most likely natural disasters to strike your area. 2. Do a personal assessment. Seniors should know what they can or can’t do before, during and after a disaster. Make a list of those needs and the resources that can meet them. 3. Schedule a family meeting to assess your needs in an emergency and develop a plan of action. Include in your plan neighbors, friends, relatives and professional caregivers who could help. 4. Assemble a portable disaster kit with essential supplies, as well as photocopies of key identification, a health card, and legal documents. The kit should have three days of non-perishable food and water, plus an additional four days of food and water readily accessible at home. 5. Label every piece of equipment or personal item in your kit. 6. Have at least two escape routes — one out of the home in case of fire when you must get out quickly, and one out of the area in case you must evacuate the local community. Designate a place to meet other relatives or key support network people outside the home. 7. Know when to go to a safer place or to stay where you are, and how to make the decision. In the case of evacuation, older adults should go sooner rather than later. 8. Know where to get information during an emergency, either through TV or radio. Have a battery-operated radio on hand. Special alarms are available for people with medical conditions, such as a strobe alarm for the hearing-impaired. 9. Make a list of key phone numbers that includes people on your support net- work, as well as doctors and other health-care professionals. 10. Call a professional caregiver if you need assistance. “Family caregivers play a critical role,” says Susan Guy. “But seniors who have no family locally can also be assisted by caregivers from an organization like ours. The most important consideration is to put a plan in place, assess what the senior needs in the event of a disaster, and implement the plan.” MARTHA OWEN & SUSAN GUY, Contributing Writer COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com 46 UCW SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2010 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM CALLING ALL LOCAL BANDS Fayetteville wants to know you! So here’s your opportunity. We will feature all local bands in our Concert Connection, but it’s going to take a little effort on your part. 1. E-mail Stephanie@upandcomingweekly.com for our Q&A. 2. Fill it out and e-mail it back to us. 3. Send a recent, high-resolution photo of your band. 4. Look for your article in an upcoming issue. CONNECTION Concert CHARLIE MIKE’S PUB 195 Star Point Road • 826-6453 Tues. Open Jam — Bring your own instrument Sat. Open mic THE DOGHOUSE 3049 Owen Dr. • 910-826-9761 www.thedoghousegroup.com Sept. 8 Mike Odonell Sept. 10 The SaddleCreek Band Sept. 11 Almost Human Sept. 12 Johnson Kinlaw HUSKE HARDWARE- HOUSE 405 Hay Street • 437-9905 www.husk› ardware.com Thurs. 80’s Ladies Night Fri. & Sat. Live DJ and Dancing IT’Z ENTERTAINMENT CITY 4118 Legend Ave. • 910-826-4635 www.itzentertainmentcity.com Sept. 10 Too Much Sylvia Sept. 11 Skate Rink Juke Box Sept. 17 Radio Cult Sept. 24 Peace and Love Sept. 25 Love Tribe JESTER’S PUB 6577 Fisher Road • 910-426-5800 www.jesterspub.com Sept. 9 Battle of the Bands Sept. 10 Super BoB/Conformity/Rapper Menice Sept. 11 Wounded Warriors Benefi t Show Sept. 17 Bo Bice Sept. 24 Restless Heart Oct. 2 MushroomHeadic Oct. 5 Sevendust/10 Years Since October/A New Revolution LIDOS — THE EURO SPOT 102 Person St. • 222-8237 Wed. Karaoke Thurs. Live Music Fri. & Sat. Top 40 Dance Club Sept. 2 Chris Hurst PADDY’S 2 606B Raeford Rd. • 910-677-0055 www.paddygibneypub.com Wed. Steel Tip Dart Competition Thurs. Autumn Nicholas, Paddy & Bill Fri. Paddy & Bill POINDEXTER’S SALOON 115 Dunn Rd. • 433-2089 Wed. Bike Night with live music THE ROCK SHOP MUSIC HALL 128 S. King St. • 910-321-ROCK www.therockshoplive.com Sept. 9 The Few Sept. 10 Dreamkiller/Death Proof Sept. 16 Subculture Sept. 17 Romeo Falls/Oakcrest/Faultline SOUTHERN STYLE SALOON 4939 Bragg Blvd. • 860-1787 THEE BACK DOOR BAR & GRILL 3109 N. Main St., Hope Mills • 429-9913