Lightning, thunder, rain, wind... blackouts! Do you have an elderly neighbor who could use an emergency Blackout – Box if the lights go out? Your family can assemble a box containing items that will be very useful if the lights go out.
Materials Needed:
- A shoebox or a plastic box with cover
- Index cards or paper/cardboard for telephone numbers
- Flashlight & batteries
- Matches
- Packaged snacks such as fruit cups, granola bars, etc.
- A bottle of water – it is recommended that a gallon of water per person be kept on hand
Steps Included:
- Decide if you will make the box for one neighbor or a few boxes to be distributed to a senior center or assisted living facility.
- Label the box – Emergency Black-Out Box and decorate the shoebox or plastic box – if it is for a person you know, personalize it, i.e. Mr. Smith's Emergency Black-Out Box.
- Create a form for phone numbers – an index card would work well. Include the following list of numbers:
- Emergency Number or 911
- Closest Neighbor
- Emergency Family Member Contact
- Electric Company
- Gas Company
- Other important phone numbers
- Your family's telephone number
- Enclose the flashlight, batteries and snacks. Remember to bring the gallon of water with you.
- Call to set up a time to deliver the box. When you bring it, ask if the person would like to fill out the telephone list right away.
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If there is a blackout, don't forget to check on the person you gave the box to or other elderly people who might need a call or a visit to make sure they are OK!
The Wood Park Kids Care Club in Commack, NY developed and implemented this project for local senior citizens.
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