EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

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Natural disasters and major emergencies occur each year and present unique challenges to local communities. Because of the location of the five counties served by the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, weather-related emergencies including tornadoes, major winter storms and flooding are a legitimate threat at anytime.

The growth of the aging population and the increasing numbers of frail elders and persons with disabilities remaining in their own homes create special challenges in the event of a disaster or widespread communicable disease outbreak. Recent events have shown that the aging network needs to be proactive in preparing to respond to a variety of such emergency situations.

Although WRAAA is not a primary responder in the event of a disaster, the agency needs to have a strong and active presence in emergency preparedness planning and response efforts. As the entity designated by the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) to administer state and federal funding for programs and services for older adults and persons with disabilities in Cuyahoga, Medina, Lake, Geauga and Lorain counties, this agency has a critical role in joint efforts to respond to the needs of these individuals during and following a disaster or emergency. Our function in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation procedures is to address and meet these needs through collaboration and coordination of mutual assistance.

When a disaster strikes, older persons and persons with disabilities may experience public health and human service needs that threaten their well-being. It is critical that:

• All individuals, including older and disabled persons, their caregivers, as well as Aging Services Network professionals, develop personal preparedness plans.
• All sectors of the national Aging Services Network and other professionals become full participants in coordinated preparedness and response planning between Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments, as well as the private, voluntary and faith-based sectors.

The information provided is intended to provide planning and response information, resources and strategies that can assist individuals and the national Aging Services Network to better prepare for, and respond to, all types of emergencies and disasters.

    Resources for Individuals, Families and Caregivers
    Resources for the Aging Service Network and Other Professionals