Are you ready for winter weather?

If you are like most people, you tend to believe emergencies and disasters always happen to the other guy. Most of us don't think it will happen to us.

On one hand, this is a good philosophy. Going through like Chicken Little, always anticipating that the sky will be falling any minute, probably is not the best way to spend our days. On the other hand, however, it is important to remember that unexpected emergencies do happen, and we need to be prepared - just in case. Katrina and Rita taught us that lesson in a big way.

Because older adults are at a higher risk in the event of an emergency, making preparation is crucial for them and for their caregivers.

The National Family Caregiver Support Program of the Administration on Aging has developed a three-step approach that everyone should follow, but is especially important for older adults and their caregivers.

 Step 1 - Know the basics. Learn about the risks your particular community faces; know how to do things like turning off your gas and electricity; get to know your neighbors.

 Step 2 - Have your emergency supplies ready. This includes items you would need to survive in your home until help arrives and should also include a personal evacuation bag, partially packed and ready to go.

 Step 3 - Make a personal plan. Many older persons have special needs relating to medications, medical equipment, mobility and support services. Making a personal emergency readiness plan increases the likelihood that essential needs will still be met, even in an emergency situation.

This is a short summary of the "Just In Case" emergency recommendations. If you are able to access the Internet, you can find details of this helpful inform a t i o n a t www.AgingInStride.org. There, you can view a 16- minute video and print a 12-page informational brochure that includes an emergency readiness checklist, emergency contact form and medications list form.