Lindsay Peterson, PhD, research assistant professor in the School of Aging Studies, and 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, , 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.​
- Emergency kit guidance: It offers detailed recommendations on assembling emergency kits, ensuring that older adults have essential supplies readily available.​
- Caregiver support: Recognizing the vital role of caregivers, the resource includes strategies and tips to assist them in supporting older adults during crises.​
- Local resource connections: As part of First Contact's broader mission, the webpage connects users to local services and support systems, enhancing community preparedness.