Seniors are among the most vulnerable when natural disaster strikes, which is why they and their caregivers should be prepared.

Many wide-ranging natural disasters have been associated with the phenomenon of climate change, and Canada is not immune. Earlier this year, New Brunswick suffered catastrophic flooding while Nova Scotia experienced raging forest fires. Recently, Toronto was wracked by explosions from a propane plant.

Such disasters can be especially dangerous for seniors who may be isolated or living alone.

"Many seniors are isolated and have separation anxiety," says John Saunders, provincial director of disaster management and international response with the Canadian Red Cross. "This means they have a strong need to be with their family during a crisis. This is why it is so important that families have an emergency plan before a disaster happens. Having a plan can help reunite families faster by having a meeting place, and help minimize the stress on seniors and other family members during an already stressful time."

10 ways to help seniors prepare for natural disasters

Following are 10 ways that seniors, their families and caregivers can prepare for a natural disaster, compiled by Home Instead Senior Care.

1. Be informed. Contact the local emergency management office to learn about the most likely natural disasters to strike your area.

2. Complete a personal assessment. Seniors should determine what they can or can't do before, during and after a disaster. Make a list of needs, and resources that can meet them. In Ontario, a good information source is the Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities and Special Needs, on-line at redcross.ca/cmslib/general/emergency_preparedness_guideforpeople_with_disabilities_special_needs.pdf

3. Make a plan. Schedule a family meeting to assess needs in an emergency and develop a plan of action. Include in the plan key people - neighbours, friends, relatives and professional caregivers - who could help. Remember to include pets in the plan.

4. Assemble a disaster kit containing essential supplies, as well as photocopies of identification, health card, and legal documents. The easy-to-carry kit should have three days of non-perishable food and water, plus an additional four days of food and water readily accessible at home. Keep bottled water on hand since it's easy to store and carry. Refresh and replace supplies at least twice a year. Medication and other personal items such as a cane, eyeglasses, or batteries for a hearing aid should be part of the kit.

5. Label every piece of equipment or personal item in the kit in case they are lost.

6. Discuss multiple escape routes. Seniors should develop at least two escape routes - one out of the home in case of fire when they must get out quickly, and one out of the area in case they must evacuate the local community. The local emergency management office can provide escape routes out of the community. Designate a place to meet other relatives or support people outside the house, as well as a second location outside the neighbourhood, such as a school or church. Practice the plan at least twice a year.

7. Know when to go or to stay, and how to make the decision. When deciding to evacuate, older adults should go sooner rather than later. By waiting too long, they may be unable to leave if they require assistance.

8. Know where to get information during an emergency, through local television or radio. Have a battery-operated radio on hand. Different alarms are available for people with medical conditions, such as a strobe alarm for the hearing-impaired.

9. Make a list of contact telephone numbers. The list should include people on a seniors' support network, as well as doctors and other important health-care professionals.

10. Call a professional caregiver if you or your loved one needs help.