LEXINGTON, Ky. — National Preparedness Month is one effort to help people be prepared for natural disasters.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency says they’ve noticed an increase in people receiving federal assistance who are 65 and older.
Now they are asking seniors around the bluegrass about their preparation awareness and sharing three important ways to help.
“First assess what your needs are okay and then two being, make a plan, and then three, which is critically important, which is to make sure your neighbors and your family know what your plan is.” FEMA’s Disability Integration Advisor Olanda Bryant said.
Bryant is making her way through Lexington’s Senior Center to share safety tips.
Bryant says knowing those three steps is the life-saving component of being prepared.
She said open communication can identify disabilities and other factors someone needs to know to help.
“Be able to be open enough and feel safe enough to come into your community and tell them what your needs are,” Bryant said.
In 2021 the AARP found that 15% of people over 50 have no access to internet services, making it more difficult to get weather and emergency information promptly.
“Know what natural disasters impact your areas because by knowing that it was going to give you a foundation and know what to build on, know what resources are available in your community,” Bryant explained.
Lexington Social Services Director of Aging and Disability Kristy Stambaugh says the center plays a key role in their visitors’ day-to-day life and that seniors need proper assistance and protection in case of an event.
“And what’s important is that as a person ages they still are contributing to the community, then contributing economically and socially they’re the volunteer core,” said Stambaugh.
FEMA plans to visit all 120 Kentucky counties during National Preparedness Month.