Tell an Upstate New Yorker to brace for weather and you're likely to see snow shovels, boots and rock salt come out. For many of you, this weekend is uncharted territory. The latest information from the National Weather Service puts Hurricane Irene on a collision course with the Northeast, including much of Eastern New York.

In your preparations, be sure to keep the following in mind if you are caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or a dementing illness:

Advance preparations

• 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

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 

Stay safe and informed. During the storm and stay tuned to local television and radio for evacuation orders, weather warnings and other news.