They Say That With Age Comes Wisdom; Be Wise and Use the New I.I.I. Preparedness Checklist for Seniors to Plan Ahead For a Disaster

Being Prepared Can Save Lives, Prevent Injuries and Reduce Property Damage

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New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org

 

NEW YORK, November 10, 2015 — To help older citizens and their caregivers get ready to face natural disasters, the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) has created a disaster preparedness checklist tailored to seniors.

 

When there is a disaster—be it a fire, flood or a hurricane—older adults are particularly vulnerable as they may have special needs, according to the I.I.I. Seniors may also have trouble keeping up with the routine maintenance necessary for protecting their home. But seniors who plan ahead for a disaster have the best chance of surviving in good physical and financial shape.

 

Some suggested preparedness tips for seniors from the I.I.I.:

 

  1. Keep an up-to-date file of medical history including doctors, prescriptions and dosages. Include a copy in your disaster kit.

 

  1. Have a disaster kit on hand with the supplies you need if you have to evacuate or manage on your own for a period after a disaster. For a full list of disaster supply items, see Ready.gov.

 

  1. Plan for an evacuation by first learning if you are in an evacuation zone. The local county government or municipality can provide this information. The I.I.I’s Know Your Plan software can help seniors and their caretakers with an evacuation plan

 

  1. Take steps to strengthen your home. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) has information to make an existing home stronger and safer.

 

  1. Keep your homeowners insurance up-to-date, and continue to insure your home even if it is paid off. And keep an up-to-date home inventory.

 

  1. Consider flood and earthquake coverage as neither are provided under standard homeowners and renters policies. Flood insurance is available from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

 

The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its You Tube Channel. Information about I.I.I. mobile apps can be found here.

 

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org

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