Partnering for Preparedness: Key Lessons from CRESA and the Commission on Aging

CRESA has been pleased to partner with the Commission on Aging this year on emergency preparedness. Here are some lessons learned from that collaboration. 

Emergencies and disasters can happen quickly. Sometimes we have warning, such as with winter weather, other times, it may come from nowhere, such as with an earthquake or wildfire. Being prepared for all types of emergency situations can help reduce fear and anxiety and minimize potential loss

Emergency preparedness is crucial to maintaining quality of life and particularly important for older adults, who are among those most impacted by major health events or hazards.

1. Have an Emergency Kit 

• A supply of food, water, and a few other basic items will provide you with the things you need to take care of yourself in the first few days and weeks of an emergency.
• Be prepared to shelter at home with your supplies or evacuate, depending upon the situation. Have an easy-to-carry Go-Bag packed and ready with things to get you through three days. A tote bag, a rolling shopping cart, a small rolling carry-on suitcase or backpack are all good ideas.
• Review your items twice a year. Swap out your change of clothing seasonally. Has anything expired? Did you use something and forget to replace it? 

2. Make a Plan

• Talk with your family, friends, and/or neighbors about what you will do when an emergency or disaster happens.
• Have a “buddy” system with someone - they check on you, you check on them.
• If you can’t get home, where will you meet? Have a back-up location to your meeting place.
• How might any personal limitations or abilities affect your response to a disaster? Think of ways to resolve them.
• Plan for your pets and service animals (they need a Go-Bag too!)
• How will you communicate? A battery operated radio will bring information in to you. To share information out, have a back-up battery pack for your cell phone. Hand-held walkie-talkie radios are another option. A sharp whistle is a good attention-getter.
• Be familiar with more than one way to evacuate your neighborhood.
• Know where the closest hospital is. Do you know several ways to get there?
• Sign up for Clark Public Alerts to ensure you are notified of important updates for your area.   

3. When something bad happens… 

• Remember to breathe. Are you okay?
• Are you in a safe place? If not, can you get to a safe place?
• Follow your safety plan, but be prepared to make changes if needed. Focus on taking care of what needs to happen right now.
• Remember your priorities – YOU are more important than your things
• Turn on your portable radio or television for instructions and news reports. For your own safety, cooperate fully with public safety officials and instructions.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help from others
• Focus on reassurance and what is going to happen next rather than going over the details again and again about the upsetting things that have happened.

For information on what to include in your emergency kit and Go-Bag, things to consider when making your plan, and more, please visit:

Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults

Disaster Preparedness for Seniors By Seniors