As several wildfires burn throughout Arizona, for older adults who live in areas at risk of evacuation, preparation is key.
Dr. Tara Ostrom is senior medical director for Optum Primary Care in Phoenix. She says older adults are more likely to have limited mobility, impaired hearing or vision and even mild cognitive impairment, so having an evacuation plan is important.
"It’s always good to have, like an N95 or respirator, something to kind of protect the lungs and filter out the smoke; having a complete list of medications; the pharmacy, doctors, phone numbers," Ostrom said.
She also recommends having advanced directives in a place that is readily accessible in case of an evacuation. Something else to consider, if medications have to be refrigerated, she suggests having a cooler at the ready.
"Or do you have some ice that you can put the medications on as you go to these evacuation centers?"
Ostrom’s advice doesn’t just apply to wildfire evacuations, but also if the power should go out due to a monsoon storm.
What should be in older adults' "go bag"
- Important phone numbers (doctors, veterinarians, pharmacy, etc.)
- Important paperwork (advance directives, special instructions for food allergies, etc.)
- Emergency nonperishable food and water supply
- Medications and medical supplies
- A first-aid kit, to include: tweezers and scissors, non-latex gloves, thermometer, waterproof bandages and gauze, and antibiotic cream and ointment
- Phone charger
- Respirator or N95
