National Senior Citizen Day August 21st!

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

Spend time with the senior citizens you know. Let them know they are appreciated and loved.

On August 21st, National Senior Citizens Day recognizes the achievements of the more mature representatives of our nation.

The day provides an opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and services they give throughout their lives. 

One way to show we care about our seniors is to ensure they are prepared for an emergency resulting from a storm or natural disaster.  Here are 3 ways READY.GOV recommends for our seniors:

1. Get a kit. 

The first step is to consider how an emergency might affect their individual needs.   A plan to make it on their own, for at least three days. It’s possible that they will not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. It is crucial that they and their family think about what kinds of resources they use on a daily basis and what they might do if those resources are limited or not available.

Basic Supplies: Think first about the basics for survival – food, water, clean air and any life sustaining items they require. Consider two kits. In one kit put everything they will need to stay where t hey are and make it on their own for a period of time. The other kit should be a lightweight, smaller version they can take with them if they have to leave their home.

Recommended basic emergency supplies include: 

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation 
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and a can opener if kit contains canned food 
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both 
• Flashlight and extra batteries w First aid kit 
• Whistle to signal for help 
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation 
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities 
• Local maps 
• Pet food, extra water and supplies for your pet or service animal

• Make a Plan for What they Will Do in an Emergency

For every aspect of their daily routine, plan an alternative procedure. Make a plan and write it down. Keep a copy of their plan in their emergency supply kits and a list of important information and contacts in their wallet. Share their plan with family, friends, care providers and others in their personal support network.

• Create a Personal Support Network
• Develop a Family Communications Plan
• Deciding to Stay or Go
• Consider Your Pets
• Staying Put
• Evacuation
• Fire Safety
• Contact Your Local Emergency Information Management Office

• Be Informed Some of the Things They Can Do

To prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an emergency supply kit and making an emergency plan are the same regardless of the type of emergency. However, it’s important to stay informed about what might happen and know what types of emergencies are likely to affect their region. For more information about specific types of emergencies, visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY. Be prepared to adapt this information to their personal circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions received from authorities on the scene. With these simple preparations, they can be ready for the unexpected. Prepare For Emergencies Now. Information For Older Americans. www.ready.gov

Their wealth of knowledge, skill, and experience offer so much. They deserve the respect and dignity their achievements earn them. Supporting our senior citizen to live their lives to the fullest and as independently as possible. 

HOW TO OBSERVE #SeniorCitizensDay

• Spend time with the senior citizens you know.  Let them know they are appreciated and loved.  
• Volunteer at a retirement home. Share your smile with those who may not otherwise get a visitor today. 
• If you are a senior citizen, check for special discounts and promotions that may be offered at stores and restaurants in your area.

 #SeniorCitizensDay