September is North Carolina Preparedness Month

By AARP NC President, Robert Palombo

Although North Carolina narrowly escaped a natural disaster when Hurricane Arthur pounded the Outer Banks during the July 4th holiday, we are far from being in the clear this hurricane season.

Running from June 1 through November 30 each year, the hurricane season is at its peak in September in North Carolina. That’s why September is Preparedness Month and AARP is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make sure older adults are best prepared for hurricanes and other disasters.

Why AARP and FEMA

When a natural disaster hits, older Americans are especially at risk. The loss of air conditioning or heating, fresh water, sewage or other services – or the inability to obtain vital prescription AARP medication – pose potentially life threatening risks. Isolated individuals are particularly vulnerable, and fraud, which follows disasters, often targets the oldest and most vulnerable populations.

Recent history offers tragic examples of the disproportionate impact that national disasters can have on 50+ Americans. Fifty-seven percent of deaths caused by Hurricane Sandy were individuals 60+. Eighty-six percent of deaths related to Hurricane Katrina were people 50 and older, a population that accounted for only 25 percent of the pre-storm population in the flooded area. Hurricanes cannot be taken lightly, and most North Carolinians know what to do during a hurricane. The question is do you know what to do during a landslide, chemical spill or tornado?

AARP wants to help North Carolinians become better prepared for any type of emergency. Whether it’s the old saying, “Turn around, don't drown” during floods, or “Drop. Cover. And Hold” (for earthquakes) developing emergency plans and kits can help you fare better during any type of disaster.

Prepare a plan

Making a plan is not complicated and only takes a few minutes to do so. Simply record what you need to do, where to go and how to get in touch with your family members or friends. Chances are you won’t all be in the same place when an emergency hits, so it is important to create a plan that includes phone numbers of each family member, a preassigned out-of-state contact person who can keep track of family members, and an ‘in case of emergency' contact for emergency personnel to use.

Also, be sure to identify a meeting place where all family members can meet in case of an emergency. If you are not together, having a designated spot can reassure family members of one another's safety.

In your written plan, identify how to safely turn off the electricity, gas and water. Don't turn the gas back on yourself; it's dangerous, so call the gas company. Your plan should list any special considerations for older adults including their medications, people with functional needs and/or pets and the location of your emergency supply kit.

The best advice is to create a plan that meets your family's needs and discuss it with every member in the household. Planning ahead of time will help you remain calm, think clearly and react accordingly.

Residing in coastal Carolina, one never knows exactly when the next storm will

arise. But we do know that those best prepared will fare better.  Over the next several weeks, AARP will share important information that will help you protect your income security, health and important records during hurricanes and natural disasters.