Disaster situations, such as a hurricane or fire, have significant impact on everyone's safety, but they can be especially upsetting and confusing for individuals with dementia.

Advance preparations

• Enroll the person in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return®.
  
  
• If an emergency occurs and you need to evacuate, make sure your plans are compatible with specific needs. For example, if the person with dementia uses a walker or wheelchair, be sure your emergency plans take this into consideration.
  
  
• If an individual lives in a residential facility, learn about its disaster and evacuation plans. Find out who is responsible for evacuating the person in the event of an emergency.
  
  
• Have phone numbers of contacts in case you will need to change locations during an emergency or evacuation; keep in touch with them as you move.
  
  
• Prepare an emergency kit (see below for suggestions).

Prepare an emergency kit

Being prepared in case of an emergency is crucial. Put together an emergency kit in a watertight container, and store it in an easily accessible location.

The kit should include:

• Copies of important documents
  
  
• Information about the person's doctor, including name, address, office phone numbers and cell phone number
  
  
• Several sets of extra clothing
  
  
• Extra medication
  
  
• Incontinence products
  
  
• Identification items such as MedicAlert + Safe Return ID bracelet and clothing labels
  
  
• A recent photo of the person with dementia
  
  
• Bottled water
  
  
• Favorite items or food

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