Planning for Emergencies
Sometimes life can be unpredictable. We never really know what’s around the corner and, while most days can go according to our expectations, there will always be times when events happen that are beyond our control.
When you are caring for someone, it is essential to have peace of mind that if an emergency were to happen, you have a plan, and if necessary replacement care can be sorted out quickly and with minimum fuss.
For many this may simply involve contacting a family member, friend or neighbour who is willing to cover in an emergency. But, what if you are suddenly taken ill and sent to hospital without being able to contact your back up support for example?
With this in mind, we advise all Carers to create a written emergency plan- for you and the person you look after. Having a plan in place can help ease your worries if you are not able to care for the person you look after at any point in the future.
To create an emergency plan that fits your needs, you will need to consider:
- Details of the name and address and any other contact details of the person you look after.
- Who you and the person you look after would like to be contacted in an emergency – this might include friends, family, or other professionals, with full contact details of how to get hold of them at any time of day.
- Details of any medication the person you look after is taking.
- Details of any ongoing treatment they need.
- Any other essential information that the person reading your emergency plan will need to know about the person you care for and their living environment.
You will also need to consider where to keep your emergency plan so that others can access it when they need to.
Some useful links
Kent and Medway Carers’ Emergency Card
By carrying a Kent and Medway Carers’ Emergency Card, someone close to you can be contacted in those situations so that the person you care for can be supported while you’re unavailable.
Find your exact location instantly with the what3words-app/
Many emergency services now accept 3 word addresses from 999 callers who would otherwise struggle to say exactly where they need help. what3words has helped find many people in need of emergency assistance quickly and easily.
ICE Contact is a free personal safety app that delivers instant & delayed messages to friends & family In Case of Emergency (ICE).
https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/free-emergency-apps
Emergency situations can be stressful, dangerous and upsetting. But if you’re prepared, anyone can deal with the unexpected.
The free British Red Cross Emergency app can help you deal with emergencies. You’ll know exactly what to do if disaster strikes.
https://lionsclubs.co/MemberArea/knowledge/lions-message-in-a-bottle/
Lions Clubs Message in a Bottle is a simple but effective way for people to keep their basic personal and medical details where they can be found in an emergency on a standard form and in a common location – the fridge.
Message in a Bottle helps emergency services personnel to save valuable time in identifying an individual very quickly and knowing if they have any allergies or take special medication if they see the Message in a Bottle sticker in your home
Nextdoor is a community-based app based on your local neighbourhood so can provide a way to get support from your local community (similar to WhatsApp)
Gasbuddy app gives real-time data that shows petrol stations with available supplies.
Life 360 is an App that helps keep track of family members and friends.
https://www.kentprepared.org.uk/
Kent Prepared supports local communities to prepare for
You can get the person you care for added to the priority services register for energy and water utilities so that you are forewarned of any supply issues, planned works or to get a priority service if you need it. Use the link above for your energy suppliers and contact your water company supplier direct for more information.