Disaster Preparedness for Seniors and People with Disabilities
In the wake of the December 2020 weather disaster in Haines, it became apparent that seniors and people with disabilities were among the survivors facing the greatest challenges in rebuilding their lives. SAIL leaned into the recovery efforts in Haines as part of the Long Term Recover Group, and led the case management work to ensure no vulnerable individuals fell through the cracks.
Our work was in collaboration with myriad local and statewide organizations, including Chilkat Valley Community Foundation which directed spending from their Emergency Response donor fund. Their grant to SAIL paid for direct recovery needs like medical bills, home repairs, and furniture replacement, and helped survivors return safely to their homes. This same pot of funding has also supported the preparation of emergency response totes for vulnerable households in the Chilkat Valley, and promotion of the importance of emergency planning in the community. Click here for a list of kit contents to prepare your own at home.
If you or a loved one live in Haines or Klukwan, email Cori at cstennett@sailinc.org for more information about receiving an emergency response tote, or call us at 888-471-1332.
The prevalence of devastating weather events throughout Southeast has underscored the significance of emergency preparedness, with even the simple act of having a tote prepared in advance offering reassurance.
An Emergency Support Plan allows individuals to document important details that could be crucial during an emergency. SAIL’s template was developed with a focus on the unique needs of seniors and people with disabilities in coordination with our partners at the Red Cross, and serves as a individual repository for vital information, ensuring that necessary details are readily available when needed most. Click here for a fillable PDF to make your personalized emergency support plan.
At the heart of our efforts lies the belief in empowering individuals to take control of their own preparedness. By involving seniors and people with disabilities in the planning process, we ensure that their unique needs and preferences are considered. Whether it’s devising a plan for maneuvering a wheelchair during an evacuation or identifying essential equipment like generators for medical needs, we prioritize proactive solutions tailored to individual circumstances.
We witnessed the success of this approach when a veteran in Metlakatla identified the need for a backup generator due to his reliance on medication that needs refrigeration and specialized equipment like power recliners and wheelchairs that need electricity to charge. Through collaboration and a grant from SAIL’s Last Resort Fund, we were able to procure the necessary generator, ensuring continuity of care during power outages. When a winter storm cut power to his home for almost 24 hours, the generator made all the difference and allowed him to stay safely at home.
It’s stories like these that highlight the importance of thinking ahead and having a plan in place. Whether it’s stocking up on hearing aid batteries or investing in essential equipment, every step towards preparedness is a step towards empowerment and peace of mind.
