Senior Safety and Disaster Preparedness

We all saw the catastrophic devastation that Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Wilma left down south. The loss of life was heartbreaking. Many were left homeless, without power and unprepared. Although disasters are unpredictable as to when they may come and how much damage they may do, they do not need to catch us off guard. A disaster can be natural (tornado, heat wave, and blizzard), accidental (fire or chemical release) or intentional (biological, shooting). No part of the country is completely safe from disaster.

The reality of aging comes with benefits and fears. The goal of productive aging is to stay as self sufficient as possible for as long as possible. Ohio RSVP projects have been addressing this very issue in a state wide effort. We received a grant from the Ohio EMA for Senior Safety. Each project that applied was awarded $1000 to complete a minimum of six Senior Safety programs by September 30, 2005. All RSVP Directors were required to take a training session in order to complete the guidelines of the grant.

This was a great opportunity to utilize our volunteers in addressing a very important community need. Seniors were informed on how they can take personal responsibility to prepare for a disaster and protect themselves. Although each RSVP project designed their own presentation, those attending these session went away with the tools needed to assemble a disaster supply kit including needed medical emergency supplies and ways to keep safe until help can arrive.

RSVP of Lake County, under the direction of Cristen Kane completed a total of 15 presentations throughout Lake County from June 2^nd to October 7^th. RSVP was able to reach 315 seniors in that county. These presentations were held in senior centers throughout the county as well as the Slovenian Society Hall and the High Noon Masonic Temple. A presentation was also given to a group of retired federal employees.

Results of the Senior Safety presentation evaluations done in Lake County were tabulated. Of those responding, before the presentation, 42% of the seniors had a disaster/emergency plan in place. There was an overall satisfaction by 84% of those attending that the materials handed out will be helpful to seniors and their family to get started on making a disaster plan. 86% of those attending thought this was a useful presentation. What can’t be measured is the piece of mind that those attending these sessions went home with, but that is a priceless item.

RSVP of Lake County also took this opportunity to promote interest and information about the Homeland Security efforts in the county as well. Twelve people also responded that they would like to learn more about the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.