Lindsay Peterson, PhD, research assistant professor in the School of Aging Studies, and two undergraduate students, Coral Morley and Arianna Verdecia, recently created a disaster preparedness website for First Contact (formerly 211 Tampa Bay Cares), with funding from the state of Florida.
The webpage by First Contact offers a comprehensive suite of resources tailored to help older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers prepare for emergencies. This resource hub is designed to be practical, accessible, and user-friendly, focusing on various disaster scenarios such as hurricanes, floods, power outages, and evacuation situations.
Key Features of the Resource:
- Personalized Planning Tools: The webpage provides checklists and worksheets to help users assess their specific needs and create customized emergency plans.鈥�
- Emergency Kit Guidance: It offers detailed recommendations on assembling emergency kits, ensuring that older adults have essential supplies readily available.鈥�
- Caregiver Support: Recognizing the vital role of caregivers, the resource includes strategies and tips to assist them in supporting older adults during crises.鈥�
- Local Resource Connections: As part of First Contact's broader mission (formerly 211 Tampa Bay Cares), the webpage connects users to local services and support systems, enhancing community preparedness.
This initiative underscores First Contact's commitment to empowering vulnerable populations with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate emergencies confidently.鈥�