When the power goes out, your home changes. For you, a pile of shoes in the hallway is just clutter. For an elderly parent with poor eyesight and limited mobility, it is a broken hip waiting to happen.
We often focus on protecting our children during a crisis, but we forget the ones who protected us when we were children.
Here is the Redwood Protocol for Seniors. It focuses on two things: Safety and Dignity.
1. Clear the Path (The “Runway” Rule)
In the first 5 minutes of darkness, your priority is the floor.
- Remove loose rugs. These are the #1 cause of falls. Roll them up immediately.
- Clear the obstacles. Move coffee tables, shoes, and toys out of the main walkways.
- Create a “Runway”: Ensure there is a wide, clear path from their favorite chair to the bathroom.
2. Dignity, Not Dependency
Seniors often feel like a burden during emergencies. They hate being “managed.”
- Don’t just tell them to sit in a corner.
- Give them a throne. Set them up in a sturdy armchair (with armrests to help them stand up), not a soft sofa they can’t get out of.
- Give them their OWN light. Do not leave them in the dark waiting for you. Give them a lightweight LED lantern or a headlamp. It gives them control over their environment.
3. Give Them a Role
Anxiety hits the elderly hard. The antidote to anxiety is purpose.
- The “Comms Officer”: Give them the emergency radio. Ask them to monitor the news and write down updates every 30 minutes.
- Why this works: It keeps them seated (safe), occupies their mind (calm), and makes them feel useful (dignified).
“We Are Safe”
Remember, they spent decades worrying about you. Now it’s your turn to say: “Mom, Dad, I have a plan. We are safe.”
📖 Survive from the Pantry
My book covers safety protocols for every family member—from mixing baby formula without clean tap water to managing medications for grandparents.
🎁 Free Resource for Families
I have created a Family Emergency Checklist that includes a special section for seniors and medical needs. Download it for free and print it out today.
Super