AARP Maryland Distributes Emergency “Go Bags” to Lower Shore Residents

OCEAN CITY, MD (September 10, 2019) – The threat of Hurricane Dorian to communities along the Southeast Coast presents a stark reminder of the importance of disaster planning and preparedness. That is why AARP Maryland, the Ocean City Office of Emergency Services and MAC Inc., (an Area Agency on Aging serving the lower shore) are joining to prepare emergency “Go Bags” for distribution to frail and vulnerable seniors living in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties.

“Since we knew we would be in Ocean City for AARP’s National Day of Service on September 11, we worked closely with local officials to plan an activity that would benefit residents living near the coast,” said Jim Campbell, AARP Maryland state president. “While each person’s needs are unique, we urge every family to have supplies and a plan in place in the event of power outage, evacuation order, road closures, and other unforeseen emergency.”

Valerie Wagner, of MAC Inc. will oversee distribution of the items to those in need.

Larry Walton, president of AARP Maryland’s Ocean Pines Chapter, helped organize the event. He said, “Even after hurricane season, an emergency can happen any time of year. It’s important that we educate the public about the importance of planning ahead, especially where older adults are concerned.”

Members of AARP’s Executive Council and volunteers from AARP chapters in Ocean City and Ocean Pines will be assembling the supply kits on the morning of September 11, at the Dunes Hotels in Ocean City starting at 9:00 am. Each will contain a flashlight, a fireproof document holder, a poncho, a reflective blanket, a battery pack, a sanitizer and a first aid kit. Once packed, there will be enough room leftover for the recipient to add personal items such as clothing, medications, shoes and toiletries.

The bags will also include important information about hurricane preparedness provided by the Ocean City Office of Emergence Services and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“We are extremely pleased with the cooperation we have received and the commitment to serving those who can benefit from this project,” Campbell said.

###

About AARP
With 875,000 members in Maryland, AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.