BUILDING A SUPPORT NETWORK
What is a support network? A support network is made up of people who will be ready to help you in case of an emergency. Anyone can be a member of your support network. Friends, family, neighbors and co-workers are just a few of the people who may be part of your support network. It is important to have at least three people who will be a support to you during an emergency. Think about where you spend your time; work, home, church, the senior center, or other places where you might be on a regular basis. Having a network of various people from different places will increase your ability to have someone who will be available in case of an emergency. Once you have established your support network you will need to share your emergency plan with them.
What is a support network? A support network is made up of people who will be ready to help you in case of an emergency. Anyone can be a member of your support network. Friends, family, neighbors and co-workers are just a few of the people who may be part of your support network. It is important to have at least three people who will be a support to you during an emergency. Think about where you spend your time; work, home, church, the senior center, or other places where you might be on a regular basis. Having a network of various people from different places will increase your ability to have someone who will be available in case of an emergency. Once you have established your support network you will need to share your emergency plan with them.
Things To Discuss With Your Support Network
1. Following an emergency your network should try to make contact with you immediately to offer assistance if needed.
2. Your network should have keys to important things like your home and car.
3. Show them where you keep your emergency supplies.
4. Make copies of your emergency plan, medical information (including insurance cards), and any other important documents. Put the copies in an envelope and give them to your network.
5. Practice methods for contacting each other in an emergency, as telephones often do not work for local calls.
6. Always let your network know when you will be out of town and when you return.
7. The relationship should go both ways. Offer to be a member of their support network.
1. Following an emergency your network should try to make contact with you immediately to offer assistance if needed.
2. Your network should have keys to important things like your home and car.
3. Show them where you keep your emergency supplies.
4. Make copies of your emergency plan, medical information (including insurance cards), and any other important documents. Put the copies in an envelope and give them to your network.
5. Practice methods for contacting each other in an emergency, as telephones often do not work for local calls.
6. Always let your network know when you will be out of town and when you return.
7. The relationship should go both ways. Offer to be a member of their support network.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Phone numbers to the fire department, police, and ambulance company should be kept near your phone at all times. This list should also include your support network and the name and address of one out of town contact. Sometimes long distance calls are easier to make than local calls after a disaster. Always keep a copy of your emergency phone numbers with you in your wallet or purse so you have access to them even if you are not at home. Register for advance warning systems if your community has one.
American Red Cross (2017). Disaster preparation for seniors by seniors. Retrieved from:
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4640086_Disaster_Preparedness_for_Srs-English.revised_7-09.pdf
Phone numbers to the fire department, police, and ambulance company should be kept near your phone at all times. This list should also include your support network and the name and address of one out of town contact. Sometimes long distance calls are easier to make than local calls after a disaster. Always keep a copy of your emergency phone numbers with you in your wallet or purse so you have access to them even if you are not at home. Register for advance warning systems if your community has one.
American Red Cross (2017). Disaster preparation for seniors by seniors. Retrieved from:
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4640086_Disaster_Preparedness_for_Srs-English.revised_7-09.pdf