Senior & Special Needs Emergency Planning

Senior citizens or individuals requiring specialized care are encouraged to take steps to ensure their needs can be met during an emergency situation. These include, but are not limited to:
  • Prepare an emergency kit of essential items. 
  • Fill out and submit a special needs form to indicate to local emergency responders the care and services you require.
  • Pack preparedness supplies in easy-to-carry containers or in containers with wheels.
  • Keep prescriptions up-to-date and stored in secure, yet easy-to-access locations.
  • Discuss safety plans in advance with family, friends and neighbors; create an emergency contact list to share with your support network.
  • Keep a large print version of your emergency contact sheet in convenient locations.
  • Pre-program emergency numbers into your phone for easy dialing. Designate an alternative method of communicating if you need assistance (in case you cannot get to a phone or cannot communicate - i.e. leaving a porch light on, drawing a window blind, etc.).
  • Keep extra pairs of glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and vision prescriptions, etc. in your preparedness kits in case your primary pair is damaged or lost in an emergency; keep extra sets of essential keys in your preparedness supplies. Ensure a trusted friend/family member has a key to your home.
Special Needs Composite
  • Learn the safest and quickest ways to evacuate your home; keep hallways, stairs and other areas clear in case the need arises to evacuate or in case emergency personnel need access to your residence.
  • If you do not drive, consider working with neighbors, family or friends to plan for transportation in case of a crisis.
    Identify safe places in your home to shelter for various hazards (tornadoes, floods, etc.). View instructions on sheltering in place.
  • Discuss any emergency-related worries you have with your family or support network; contact local emergency planners if you have questions or concerns regarding your emergency planning. Read local emergency operations plans.
  • Keep a listing on your refrigerator of any medications you take as well as any pertinent medical information. Include the name and phone number of your physician, or other primary care or service providers.
  • Keep wheelchairs and other essential equipment in easy-to-find places; label your equipment with your name and contact information.
  • If you are dependent on electricity for life-sustaining equipment, have a contingency plan to activate alternate power sources or relocate to another dwelling until power is restored. Teach friends and family in advance how to operate any medical equipment you need.
  • Ask for assistance if you need help checking and changing the batteries in your smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector; ask questions if any emergency or medical instructions are not clearly understood.
  • If you are hearing impaired, consider implementing a warning system with lights to alert you in case of emergencies.
  • Keep apprised of local emergency warnings and updates via NOAA weather radio, television/radio reports and on-line notifications; if you have questions or if you are confused at any time, call local public safety officials for clarification. Campbell County Public Safety's non-emergency phone number is: 434-332-9540, 434-283-9540, or 434-592-9540.
  • Practice what you would do in case of a crisis; be aware that unforeseen situations can often cause emotional stress and sometimes confusion. Take time to spell out what you would do in the event that any crisis should arise; consider different times of day and different locations you may frequently visit (church, shopping areas, community gatherings, etc.) in your emergency planning.
  • Contact your local law enforcement office to keep apprised of any scams that are circulating; contact local law enforcement agencies to check if any scams are operating in your area. Do not open doors for strangers, and always call for assistance if you feel threatened.