Whether your are in your senior adult years or you have parents or other family members who are in that age demographic, this is information that isn’t often considered as we take care of ourselves or others. It’s no secret that Americans are living longer, but not all are in optimal health as shown in television commercials, creating a cottage industry in home health care. In addition, the first of the baby boomers turned 70 this year, while others have responsibilities for aging family members. As a senior citizen or caretaker of an older person, preparing for and protecting against a fire, flood, hurricane or other disaster can be a special challenge, says the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Many seniors live alone and may have special needs or limited physical mobility, which makes them more vulnerable than younger people when there is a disaster. Therefore, it’s all the more important to take steps to prepare for an emergency by evaluating the specific challenges faced by seniors and making an emergency plan to fit their needs.

Here is a checklist of 7 steps that can be a helpful tool to help seniors (and those who love and care for them) prepare for a disaster. Thanks to the Insurance Information Institute for this information

In the event of a disaster, you may not have access to a medical facility or even a drug store. If you take medication or receive regular medical treatments – such as dialysis, chemotherapy or even physical therapy – talk to your medical provider about an emergency back-up plan.

Keep an up-to-date file of your medical history including doctors, prescriptions and dosages, as well as regular medical treatments. Include a copy in your disaster kit, and make sure that a family member or a good friend has a copy too.

Have the supplies you need on hand in case you have to evacuate or manage on your own for a period after a disaster, including:

• Enough food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours.
• Items necessary for your specific needs, such as eyeglasses, catheters, hearing aid batteries, oxygen or meal replacement shakes, for example.
• Important documents, such as health insurance cards, Medicare cards, family records, power of attorney, copies of your Homeowners’ and Auto insurance policies and contact information for your insurance professional.
• Cash to purchase emergency supplies in the event that power outages prevent the use of credit cards or ATMs.
• For a full list of disaster supply items, see Ready.gov.

• Contact your county government or local municipality to find out whether you are in an evacuation zone.
• Locate the nearest official shelter – the American Red Cross or your local government will have this information.
• If you have a pet, be sure to research shelter pet friendly shelter options.
• If you are physically unable to drive, identify someone who can provide transportation. And, if you have any disabilities, are wheelchair bound or use a walker or cane, build more time into your evacuation plan.
• Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers you can rely on in an emergency.
• Share your plans with the group and make sure you know how to communicate with each other if a disaster strikes.

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety has information on how to make your home better able to withstand a disaster – and don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for help with mitigation tasks. Purchase a generator, especially if you rely on electricity for health reasons. And remember, even a simple storm can result in a power outage, so it is important to be prepared any time.

Continue to insure your home, even if you have paid off your mortgage and Homeowners’ coverage is no longer required by the bank. Schedule a time to review your coverage with an insurance professional at least once a year. Children of older parents should consider participating in the review.

• Do I have enough coverage to completely rebuild my home?
• Is my Additional Living Expenses limit sufficient to cover the extra costs involved in living away from home if my house is being repaired after a disaster?
• What is my deductible? And do I have a separate deductible for hurricanes, hail or earthquakes?
• Keep an up-to-date home inventory – it will make it easier to both purchase the right amount of insurance for your belongings and file a claim. Most carriers have information on how to create a home inventory, and some have inventory software that lives “in the cloud” so you can access it from anywhere after a disaster.

If you rent your home, Renters’ insurance is inexpensive and will provide coverage for your belongings in the event of a disaster. Flood and earthquake are not covered under standard Homeowners’ and Renters’ policies. Flood insurance is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program and from a few private insurance companies. At Benton White Insurance, we offer flood insurance through this program. Earthquake coverage is available from us as well as an extra added feature that can endorse onto your home insurance plan.

If you or a loved one live in a group setting, such as an adult-living community or assisted-living facility, speak with the administrator and find out the specific disaster preparation and evacuation plans the facility has in place. FEMA has great resources for seniors at Ready.gov. The AARP, the American Red Cross and the National Organization on Disability all offer resources for older people and those who love and care for them.

I think this is a great list to help you get ahead of a disaster if it strikes you are those you love. Since we just passed the anniversary of the Nashville Flood on May 1, none of us forget the multitude of problems and inconveniences so many faced during that terrible May weekend in 2010. Hopefully, no matter what disaster we possibly could face, this list will help you to be better prepared.

Let us help you with your insurance. We’re easily reached at info@BentonWhite.com or contact any of our staff at 615.377.1212. As always, we’re here to earn your business!

[Editor’s note: Portions of this article first appeared on iii.org, and was reprinted by Rosalie L. Donlon on propertycasualty360.com – May 4th, 2016]