Elderly
In the event of an emergency, elderly people may have difficulty doing what needs to be done to protect themselves.
It is important for elderly people to be in contact with family members and their community for support and guidance, both during times of calm and times of emergency.
Recommendations for Seniors:
Make sure you have a stock of regularly used medicines and prescriptions. If you wear glasses, hearing aids, and if you require special food, make sure that you have extras/replacements on hand.
Prepare a personal emergency card and carry it with you always. Include the following information: Full name, ID number, kuppat cholim, name of your doctor, list of medications and dosage required, blood type, special needs, sensitivities, medical issues, contact information for family.
Prepare your safe space so that it is well lit and accessible. Remove objects that could injure you, and make sure to have a means of communication (radio, TV, telephone).
If you do not have family in Efrat, please speak with the social worker at the Council for the Elderly and make sure we have your updated contact info.
General recommendations for helping the elderly:
Consult with relatives, caregivers, and family members when helping an elderly person choose a safe room.
In addition to the detailed equipment lists, it is important to bring medicine and prescriptions, an extra pair of glasses, batteries for hearing aids, medical documents, special food, walking aids, dentures, diapers and the like into the safe room.
Include the elderly person in the emergency planning. For example: Call and update him on the situation, make sure he is doing what is required to stay safe.
Instruct the elderly person how to choose a safe room. When choosing a safe room, take into account the time it takes to get there.
Instruct the elderly person what to do when an alarm sounds, and practice the actions with them.
Make sure to inform, interpret, and explain things going on in the news, while conveying reassuring messages.
For additional information on helping the elderly, contact the service center of the Ministry of Welfare (118) or of the local authority (106).
For more details, visit the Home Front Command website