Neighbors Helping Neighbors

It’s typical to visit an elderly or disabled neighbor to bring them a pie or to help them with yard work, but how about making it a plan to help them in a time of emergency? Disasters can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Neighbors are the closest people to an elderly or disabled person during an emergency which is why it is important that you are there to help them. If a disaster strikes, do you know what you will do to help those around you who can’t necessarily always help themselves?

The first step to helping a neighbor in an emergency is to have a plan. You may have a plan and a kit for your family, but it is also important to make sure neighbors and community members also have these vital emergency preparedness items for themselves. Take the time to sit down with your neighbors to discuss certain personal and medical needs that you may need to know to help them. Make sure to discuss where they keep medical supplies they need, where they keep a key to their front door, and know how to easily get around their home.
After Hurricane Katrina, over 1,200 senior citizens living in rural areas died because of a lack of medical attention, which quite possibly could have been prevented if they had disaster plans with their neighbors. These 1,200 people included many elderly, disabled and medically-challenged residents. When an elderly or disabled person plans for emergencies with neighbors, it enables medical responders to recognize key health issues when responding to these people through the help of the neighbors.

Help a neighbor prepare before a disaster and check on a neighbor after disaster!

Resolve to help a neighbor in 2012!