Right at Home of Central New Jersey
Wants to Make Sure You're
Prepared for Any Emergency
The right people, doing the right things,
the right way, for the right reasons.
Right at Home.
More frequently than ever, we learn that some weather event is coming that can affect our ability to live safely and comfortably. We all remember Superstorm Sandy back in the fall of 2012 and how, even with the information we had almost a week before it made land, there were still people who were unprepared for the aftermath.
With the recent heat wave in mid-July affecting almost 150 million people across America, it's a good time to prepare an emergency plan (or make sure, if you have one, that it's up-to-date). Here are some good things to consider doing before the next emergency occurs.
- Make sure your immediate circle - nearby family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers - have all of your contact information and can come to your assistance should you need it.
- Include important information in your emergency plan like a list of your medications, your doctor(s) and pharmacy's phone numbers, copies of your health care and prescription drug cards, and copies of your driver's license. The Red Cross website can help you develop your own emergency plan by answering a few simple questions.
- Have all of your important papers and documents (your will, insurance policies, passports, birth certificates and your Social Security card) in a lockbox that you can take with you if you need to leave suddenly.
- Prepare a "go to" bag that includes a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a three-day supply of your medications, bottled water, non-perishable food, toiletries, change of clothes, blankets, cell phone (including both a regular and a car charger), supplies for your pets or service animals (if you have them) and cash (this is particularly important because if there's no electricity due to a weather event, you won't be able to get cash from an ATM). Using a duffel bag with wheels will make it easier to transport when needed.
- Make sure that you fill up your gas tank before the bad weather hits since gas pumps may not work or there may be long lines at gas stations.
- Contact your local municipality and find out how they alert people when there are emergencies. Many municipalities will let you sign up for text alerts on your phone that can let you know about anything (traffic issues, bad weather or downed wires, for example) that can affect your family or your ability to travel.
- As hospital and medical systems continue to expand, or if you're sheltering in place away from home, you may not know where the nearest hospital or medical facility is. You can learn that now by checking US Hospital Finder so that you'll be prepared.
- Both Middlesex County and Monmouth County have websites providing you with resources on how to plan for and deal with the aftermaths of a disaster. It's a good idea to check them now before the need occurs.
- Knowing that there's always the possibility that you may have to leave your home during an emergency, check out the Red Cross and FEMA websites to find out where the closest emergency shelter is located.
Being prepared is always a good idea because disasters or weather emergencies can happen without much warning. No one needs to be caught off-guard during a time of crisis. Every step you can take now can make a huge difference - possibly even a life-saving difference - during an emergency or disaster.
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About Right at Home of Central New Jersey – Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of Central New Jersey office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex and Northern Monmouth Counties.
For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey at
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