By Dan Nonte, University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-4314
Posted 1-14-08
GREENSBORO, NC – Alicia Blater, a graduate student in UNCG’s Gerontology Program, has created a guide to disaster preparedness for senior center directors and others who work with older adults.
Developed while Blater was an intern with the Triangle J Area Agency on Aging, the 23-page guide outlines a program of six monthly meetings to cover the basics of preparedness. The topics include what to pack in a “grab-and-go” bag and how to write an individualized disaster plan.
Senior adults are particularly vulnerable during disasters. As the guide notes, 60 percent of those who died in Louisiana as a result of Hurricane Katrina were older than 60. And North Carolina frequently suffers harsh weather. Of the nation’s 62 weather-related disasters between 1980 and 2004, 40 percent affected North Carolina.
Each of the six sessions in the guide encourages a specific act of disaster preparation. During session two, for example, participants are urged to stock a “grab-and-go” bag with enough water and non-perishable food for three days. The guide also includes more theoretical exercises, such as brainstorming possible disasters and their consequences.
The UNCG Gerontology Program – www.uncg.edu/gro – delivers the highest quality transdisciplinary education in gerontology and conducts basic and applied research, preparing students for academic and professional careers serving age-related markets nationwide.
The Triangle J Area Agency on Aging – www.tjaaa.org – is part of the Triangle J Council of Governments and covers seven counties: Chatham, Durham, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange and Wake. The guide can be downloaded from the agency at http://www.tjaaa.org/providers/links.htm.
