Preparing Our Community: A New Initiative for Senior Safety and Disaster Readiness

We are excited to share a significant development in our mission to enhance disaster preparedness for senior citizens and disabled individuals in our community. Thanks to the generous support from the AARP Community Challenge grant, we have launched a project designed to ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors are well-equipped and informed in case of an emergency. Our expert, Susan Casdorph, is leading the way as our community becomes more informed and prepared.

What We’ve Accomplished:

1. Emergency Kits: We’ve assembled 100 comprehensive 72-hour emergency kits, each containing essential supplies for survival and comfort during a disaster. These kits are designed to provide everything needed to sustain life for three days, including food, water, first aid supplies, and other crucial items. Our goal is to make sure that every senior and disabled person in our community has access to these vital resources.
2. Preparedness Booklets: Understanding the importance of clear and accessible information, we’ve created a large-print, easy-to-follow preparedness booklet. This guide provides straightforward instructions and tips to help individuals prepare for emergencies, ensuring that everyone can understand and use the information, regardless of visual impairments or reading difficulties.
3. Community Training: Knowledge is power, especially in emergency situations. To further support our community, we’re offering free classes on how to access important information online. These sessions will teach participants how to find and use critical resources and stay informed during a disaster, enhancing their ability to respond effectively.

How You Can Get Involved:

• Sign Up for Training: Keep an eye out for announcements about our upcoming classes. We encourage everyone to participate and gain valuable skills that can make a difference in times of crisis. Our 1st training is set for September 24th at 11am in the Heart+Hand Community Room.
• Keep an Eye Out: Our classes and 72-Hour Bucket distribution schedule will be posted on our Facebook page.

We believe that by providing these tools and resources, we can help build a more resilient and prepared community. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

For more information on how to get involved or if you have any questions, please contact us at volunteers@hhomwv.org.

Together, we can make our community safer and stronger. Thank you for your continued support!

Stay Prepared. Stay Safe.