The likelihood that you and your family will recover from an emergency tomorrow often depends on the planning and preparation done today. While each person’s abilities and needs are unique, every individual can take steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies. By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan that fits those needs, you and your loved ones can be better prepared.  This guide outlines commonsense measures older Americans can take to start preparing for emergencies before they happen.  Click here to view the guide. 

While we prepare for emergencies, there are certain items that can usually be provided (food, water, shelter, and clothing).  There are also items that that are harder to replace, especially for seniors. These items include documentation that each senior should have, such as:

·         Contact Names and Numbers (on paper, not in a phone or smart phone)

·         Life History Snapshot (most often a medical history, but should also include place and date of birth, immigration data, family roots).

·         Medication Tracker (What do you take, when)

·         Allergies and Conditions Worksheet

·         Dementia-Related Behaviors Chart

·         Doctor Visit Worksheet / appointments

·         Health Care Proxy

·         DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) Order

·         Advance Directives such as Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney

·         Insurance Policies

·         Will and Testament

·         Copy of Medicare/Medicaid Card

·         Other ID’s, including passport, drivers license, prescription cards.

·         Anatomical Gift/Organ Donation Card

·         Valuables Designation List

Take the time to prepare for emergencies these holidays. For more information, please contact the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency at 815-338-6400.