Help seniors prepare for emergencies

By Sharon Higa | June 5, 2019

We are dedicated to helping Hawaii’s kupuna (elders) prepare for the yearly storm season.

Hawaii is typically ranked among the top five states with the highest average life expectancy, about 78.4 years, and seniors (ages 65 and up) make up nearly 18 percent of the Hawaii population.

While our generation is fortunate to have the wisdom, experiences and stories of our kupuna (elders) to draw upon, with advanced aging comes new challenges for seniors, especially when it comes to responding to a natural disaster such a major storm or hurricane.

Older adults living on their own may have health issues, limited mobility or cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s or dementia that could make it difficult to respond appropriately to an emergency.

That’s why preparedness is so important for this vulnerable population. As the saying goes, “…when disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed.”

If you or someone you know has an aging-at-home parent(s) or relative(s), here’s how you can help them to be prepared before the next disaster hits:

Work together with your household to develop an emergency preparedness plan.

Develop a plan that includes a support network of friends, family, and neighbors.

• Designate a contact person who can check in on your loved one during a disaster and consider giving a trusted individual a key to their house. Keep the names and numbers of important contacts by their phone and in an emergency bag.
• If your loved one is forced to evacuate, know where they need to go, the route, and arrange for someone to accompany them if needed. If accessible transportation is necessary to get to a medical facility or shelter, prearrange a paratransit service or private transportation.
• If your parent or relative is dependent on medical equipment that requires electricity or medications that must be refrigerated, contact their doctor or pharmacist on how to handle emergencies and power outages.
• Contact Hawaiian Electric at 548–7311, Maui Electric at 871–9777 or 1–877–871–8461 on Molokai and Lanai, or Hawaii Electric Light (Hilo: 969–6999; Kona: 329–3584; Waimea: 885–4605) to request an application for our Life Support Program (requires a doctor’s certification) if your parent or relative is on life support equipment at their home.

Pack a “go” bag that is easily accessible by every member of your household. It should include food, water, supplies, tools, medicine, and whatever else you may need to survive.

Pack a “go” bag that contains water, food (granola bars and/or meal supplements), medications, travel-sized toiletries, clothing, portable radio, phone charger, and important documents sealed in a waterproof bag. Include extra eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, medical ID bracelet, medical supplies, and a list of doctors, medications with dosing schedule, and any allergies. Pack extra cash and coins. Be sure your loved one or someone in the household can lift the bag and store it where they can easily find it.

Stay informed by knowing what emergency preparedness resources are available to seniors through organizations such as American Red Cross, AARP, and FEMA.

As a community, let’s all do our part to be prepared for the upcoming Central Pacific hurricane season, June 1-Nov. 30, and ensure the safety of ourselves and our loved ones.

Sharon Higa is a senior communications consultant at Hawaiian Electric Company.