The County Helps Older Adults Plan for Emergencies
Older adults and people with disabilities are among those most vulnerable during disasters, whether it’s an earthquake, fire, flooding or periods of extreme heat.
To help residents prepare, the County partnered with the City of Chula Vista and several community organizations to host an Emergency Preparedness Resource Fair at the Norman Park Senior Center. The event, called Silver Stay Ready, offered information, tools and support to help older adults and people with disabilities plan for emergencies.
Speakers, visual presentations and resource tables focused on helping residents understand what to do both during and after a disaster. Participants received information, tools and confidence to stay safe while maintaining their dignity and independence.
“In an actual emergency, it can be very challenging to share this information,” said District 1 Supervisor Paloma Aguirre. “Offering more public preparedness events in advance is a best practice I have wanted to provide for older adults so they feel empowered and supported in their goals to live independently.”
As people age, emergencies can affect them differently. Some people may need more time to move to safety due to mobility or physical limitations. Residents who depend on medical equipment must have a reliable power source, and people living in remote areas need to know where to access transportation during a disaster.
“One of the most important sources of safety in a disaster is having people who check on one another,” said Allison Boyer, interim director of County Aging & Independence Services. “A quick phone call, a knock on a neighbor’s door, or a shared plan can truly save lives.”
Disaster preparedness should be an ongoing discussion among family, friends and neighbors. Everyone needs a personal emergency plan, and communities are encouraged to look out for one another.
Similar events are planned across the region.
The County’s Aging & Independence Services offers several programs that can support older adults during and after a disaster, including home-delivered meals, in-home supportive services, caregiver programs and wellness resources.
How you can prepare now
You can prepare for an emergency or disaster by taking these four steps:
- Create your own Personal Disaster Plan
- Register your phone for emergency alerts
- Download the Genasys Protect App
- Make an evacuation go-kit and a shelter-in-place go-kit
