April 5, 2023 3:50 a.m.
A new emergency preparedness program for seniors has begun in Douglas County.
A County government release said Douglas County Commissioners, the Douglas Public Health Network and Douglas County Senior Services have staff making presentations at Bistro Sixty Senior Dining sites around the county over the next few weeks. In addition, DPHN is working with Senior Services to offer in-home visits that share the program with rural Meals on Wheels customers as well. The goal is to distribute materials, starter “Go Kits” and provide education outreach to 200 senior households this year.
The program was kick-started using an Elder Services Innovation grant from the Oregon Office of Rural Health, which the county received in June of 2022. County government contributed an additional $19,300 to the program for emergency supplies and food for the kits. Since receiving the grant and the additional funding, the trio, as well as several community partners including the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, American Red Cross, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration teamed up to write and publish a 56-page emergency preparedness handbook titled “Umpqua Prepared”.
The release said it is meant to be “your guide to help you be the help until help arrives”. The handbook highlights common and regional hazards, preparedness fundamentals, special considerations, kits and available local resources. The “Go Kits” being given out contain a three-day supply of essential items for survival in the event of an emergency. They include the handbook, a whistle, waterproof matches, a poncho, an emergency thermal blanket, hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, a flashlight lantern with batteries, toilet paper, ready-to-prepare meals, a first aid kit and more. Residents are encouraged to add items to the kit that fit their specific needs including prescription medicines, clothing, pet food, water, personal items and a cell phone charger.
To get a copy of the Umpqua Prepared handbook, or for an electronic copy, contact DPHN through their website: www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org