THE AMERICAN RED CROSS ASKS …
Are you PREPARED for when emergencies
and natural disasters strike?
Staff report
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mergencies and natural disasters can strike
quickly and without warning, forcing individu-
als to evacuate their homes or to be confined to
them. What would you do if your basic services
— water, gas, electricity or communications — were
cut off?
Anyone can be affected by emergencies and disas-
ter, however studies show it is disproportionately so
for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), seniors are affected
more and tend to be more vulnerable due to several
factors: impaired physical mobility, diminished senso-
ry awareness, chronic health conditions or social and
economic limitations that interfere with their ability
to not only prepare for disaster, but also to respond
and adapt during such events. However, with strate-
gic planning, seniors not only can be protected when
disaster strikes, but also better able to cope with the
aftermath.
As part of its “Be Red Cross Ready for Disaster”
campaign, the American Red Cross developed
“Disaster Preparedness For Seniors By Seniors,”
a guide to encourage older adults to take respon-
sibility to protect their lives by preparing now for
sudden emergencies. Cheryl A. Kocurek, Regional
Preparedness manager for the American Red Cross,
Mississippi Region, provided the following information
from the publication. For the complete publication,
visit redcross.org
According to the guide, there are three steps to pre-
paredness:
• Get a Kit
• Make a Plan
• Be Informed
1. Get a Kit
Disasters can happen at any moment. By planning
ahead you can avoid waiting in long lines for critical
supplies, such as food, water and medicine and you