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Emergency Preparedness for Seniors
Disaster Planning Tools and Resources for Seniors Living Independently
Natural disasters can be stressful, especially for older adults. Planning ahead can help reduce risk and make it easier to respond when emergencies happen. Practicing drills and keeping an emergency kit ready means you are better prepared to act quickly and calmly. Knowing what to do ahead of time can help reduce confusion during an emergency. Taking time now to plan can make a real difference.
The types of emergencies to prepare for depend on where you live. In eastern North Carolina, our community may face risks related to severe storms, flooding, hurricanes, extreme heat, and winter weather. Reviewing local risk information can help you focus on the emergencies most likely to affect homes and neighborhoods in our community.
Prepare Emergency Contacts and Know Where to Get Support
Knowing who to contact and where to go before an emergency can help reduce stress and delays. Becoming familiar with local resources ahead of time makes it easier to act if conditions change. Some residents may also consider tools such as medical alert systems, especially if mobility, medical conditions, or if there are other concerns.
Sign Up for Pitt County Emergency Alerts
Pitt County uses the Hyper-Reach emergency notification system to share alerts about severe weather, flooding, road closures, and other emergencies. Alerts can be sent by phone, text message, or email.
Sign Up for Pitt County Emergency Alerts Through Hyper-Reach Now
Prepare Emergency Contacts and Locations
Emergency shelters and response services may be activated during major events. Identify nearby shelter locations in advance and keep a list of important contacts. Store this information both on paper and on your phone so it is easy to access.
Include County Contacts Such As:
- Emergency services (911)
- Pitt County Fire and EMS
- Pitt County Sheriff’s Office or local police department
- Primary care doctor and pharmacy
- Vidant Medical Center or nearest hospital
- Pitt County Animal Services and your veterinarian
- Power and water utility providers
- A trusted neighbor, family member, or caregiver
Simple Steps to Set Up Your Emergency Plan and Supplies
A clear and simple emergency plan can help guide decisions during stressful situations. Plans should be reviewed regularly and shared with family members or caregivers so everyone understands what steps to take if an emergency occurs.
Include In Your Emergency Plan
- Communication plans so family members and caregivers know how to reconnect.
- Safe exit routes from your home for emergencies such as fire or flooding.
- Where to go after leaving your home, including designated meeting locations.
- Emergency contacts: names, phone numbers, and addresses.
- Vial of Life info: A list of medications, medical conditions, and equipment needs.
Learn More About Vial of Life Now - A plan for pets, including food, carriers, and vaccination records.
Build an Emergency Kit
Emergency kits should be easy to carry and ready to take if evacuation is needed. Review kits at least once a year and update items as needed.
- Water and non-perishable food
- Medications and medical supplies
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Cell phone charger or battery pack
- Important documents
- Comfort items such as glasses or hearing aid batteries
If evacuation is needed, residents are encouraged to stay with friends or relatives when possible. General and medical shelters are available but should be used as a last option. Please note: Medical shelters provide limited care and assistance and do not offer the same level of services or equipment as health care facilities.
Learn More About Emergency Medical Shelters Now