The Salvation Army Helps Seniors Prepare for Disasters
The Salvation Army Safe Seniors program focuses on getting vital disaster preparedness information to those most in need; homebound senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. Staffed by six AmeriCorps members, The Salvation Army Safe Seniors program conducts individual meetings with participants so each person has a plan that works with their specific barriers and strengths.
AmeriCorps is a national service organization, similar to PeaceCorps, it is a program that engages full-time volunteers to help meet critical community needs. AmeriCorps members spend a year working with various nonprofits, faith-based organizations, government offices and community programs to address critical community needs.
The Salvation Army Safe Seniors program just kicked-off its second year serving those in need in the Anchorage bowl area. The first year of operation, the program met with close to 350 seniors and people with functional and access needs. Each participant goes through the three steps to preparedness: 1) Be Informed; 2) Create a Plan; and 3) Get a Kit.
The Salvation Army Safe Seniors program provides participants vital information about disasters and emergencies that could happen in Alaska, assists participants in developing an individualized action plan and provides each participant a 72-hour disaster supply kit. This kit includes emergency water and food rations, a folding cane, pill case, flashlight, dust mask, whistle and “Help Me” sign, which all comes in a neat red bag that is easy to pick up and go!
“We’ve worked with interpreters to conduct meetings in Spanish, Somali, Arabic and American Sign Language,” said Maddie Kettner, The Salvation Army Safe Seniors Program Manager. “We have also presented at senior centers, independent living complexes and private residences to make our services accessible to those with the most need.”
When former program participants were asked how they were impacted, they said things like, “Excellent and thought-provoking. I am much better prepared and able to keep preparing my family. Many thanks,” and “Helpful. Makes you think about what is important.” 93% of senior participants said they feel more prepared for disasters after meeting with The Salvation Army Safe Seniors program.
In early December 2018, members had the pleasure and challenging task of reconnecting with all program participants to make sure folks were faring well after the November 30, 7.2 magnitude earthquake took place. Many seniors said they had used the items from their disaster preparedness kit, especially those who lost power.
In addition to individual disaster preparedness meetings, members will soon be hosting classes for seniors who are interested in learning more in depth knowledge about how to stay safe and respond to disasters. Topics for classes will include Winter Car Safety, Sheltering During a Disaster, Food Storage and Preparation, Pets and Disasters, and more! More information to follow on our Facebook page @SafeSeniorsAK.
The Salvation Army Safe Seniors program is free to participants, but eligibility for the program varies. If you or a loved one identifies in any of the following ways: 60 years of age or older, mobility issues or disability, lack of support network, inability to leave the home independently or significant barrier to conduct disaster preparedness activities on one’s own, please contact us to set up a disaster preparedness meeting at ak.americorps@usw.salvationarmy.org or (907) 375-3553.