Older Adults, People With Disabilities Urged to Be Better Prepared for Emergencies

Older Adults, People With Disabilities Urged to Be Better Prepared for
Emergencies

New 'ReadyPA' Materials Offer Tips on Creating Personal Support Networks

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Older adults and
individuals with disabilities can be better prepared for emergencies with the
help of new resources offered by Pennsylvania's ReadyPA campaign, the
Department of Health announced today.

"The ReadyPA campaign encourages all Pennsylvanians to be informed, be
prepared and be involved," said state Health Secretary Everette James.
"Because older adults and people with disabilities may have unique needs, we
want to help them understand what special preparations they may need to take
in order to remain safe during an emergency."

The new materials explain the importance of creating a personal support
network, creating an emergency health information card and accounting for
special dietary and medical needs when assembling an emergency "go" kit.

"While all Pennsylvanians should include essential supplies like water and
food in their go kits, individuals with special needs should take extra steps
to ensure those needs will be met during an emergency," James added.

More information is available by calling 1-888-9-READYPA (1-888-973-2397) or
by visiting ReadyPA's Web site at www.readypa.org. The site provides detailed
information on emergency plans and emergency go kits for all Pennsylvanians
and also offers downloadable emergency preparedness brochures and family
emergency plan templates.

Launched last fall, the ReadyPA campaign reminds all Pennsylvanians to take
action to be prepared for emergencies. The campaign is supported by the state
Department of Health, Pennsylvania Citizen Corps, Pennsylvania Emergency
Management Agency and volunteer organizations.
CONTACT: Penny Kline
(717) 787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

Penny Kline of the PA Department of Health, +1-717-787-1783