Emergency Safety Planning for Wandering and Fire

1. Register your loved one with local emergency services and the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return program. Call your local police or sheriff's department non-emergency line and ask about their 'vulnerable adult' or 'Silver Alert' registration. Provide a recent photo, physical description, and any medical conditions. Keep a copy of this information in your emergency go-bag and on your phone. This helps first responders know your loved one may be confused and need a calm, gentle approach.

2. Create a 'File of Life' or emergency information sheet. On a single sheet of paper, list: your loved one's name, diagnosis, medications, allergies, doctor's name and phone, emergency contacts, and a recent photo. Laminate it and attach it to the refrigerator with a magnet. Also place a copy inside the front door or in a clearly labeled envelope. In a fire or evacuation, grab this sheet first. It gives paramedics and shelter staff the critical info they need fast.

3. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom, hallway, and near the kitchen. Test them monthly and change batteries twice a year. For a person with dementia, the sound of a smoke alarm can be confusing or frightening. Practice what you will say: 'That sound means we need to go outside together. Let's go to the front door now.' Use a calm, cheerful voice. If your loved one is sensitive to noise, consider a detector that uses a recorded voice message instead of a loud beep.

4. Secure the stove and oven to prevent fire starts. Install a stove knob cover or a lock that prevents the knobs from being turned. Better yet, remove the knobs entirely when not in use and store them in a drawer out of sight. Use a motion-sensor shut-off device that automatically turns off the stove if no one is near it for a set time. For microwaves, unplug them or store them in a cabinet when not in use. Never leave the kitchen while cooking, and use a timer to remind you to check the stove.

5. Make exits harder for wandering but easy for you to use in a fire. Use safe egress-control methods such as: a single-cylinder deadbolt with the thumb turn mounted high out of reach and sight; a slide bolt at the top of the door; a keypad lock with a code known only by you; or a door alarm combined with close supervision. For sliding glass doors, place a wooden dowel or a security bar in the track. For windows, install locks that require a tool to open, but keep the tool nearby. The goal is to slow your loved one down, not trap them. If you use any lock that could block egress, stop immediately if your loved one becomes distressed or if you cannot unlock it within 30 seconds during a drill.

6. Create a 'wandering safety kit' and keep it by the door. Include: a recent photo of your loved one, a list of their favorite places they might try to go (old home, former workplace, a park), a description of what they are wearing today, and a list of neighbors' phone numbers. Also include a flashlight, a phone charger, and a spare set of car keys. If you need to search for them, grab this kit. It saves precious minutes when every second counts.

7. Practice a fire drill and a wandering drill with your loved one. Once a month, walk through the steps: say 'Let's practice our safety game. When you hear the alarm, we go to the front door and wait for me.' Keep it light and positive. If they become upset, stop and try again later. The repetition helps build a habit that may kick in during a real emergency. For wandering, practice what you will say if they try to leave: 'Oh, I need your help in the kitchen first. Can you come with me?' Then redirect to a safe activity.

8. Identify a backup caregiver who can step in if you are hospitalized or unavailable. Ask a friend, neighbor, or family member if they would be willing to come to your home or take your loved one to theirs on short notice. Write down their contact info and keep it in your phone and on the refrigerator. If you have no one nearby, research local respite care facilities or adult day centers that accept emergency placements. Call them now to ask about their process and cost, so you are not scrambling in a crisis.

9. Prepare a 'go-bag' for evacuations. Pack a small backpack or duffel with: a week's supply of medications, copies of medical records, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, a favorite comfort item (a blanket, a stuffed animal), snacks, water, a flashlight, and a list of emergency contacts. Keep it in a closet near the front door. Also include a small sign that says 'I have dementia' to show to first responders or shelter staff if you are separated.