Safety Preparedness for Seniors

Students participated in an aging sensitivity course taught by AmeriCorps members. The two-hour, interactive course was designed to help students better understand some of the challenges faced by South Florida's aging population. After completing the class, they applied their new knowledge in several projects that promote senior safety.

Emergency Kits
Students researched the proper items to collect for personal emergency kits designed to sustain seniors through the first 75 hours of a disaster — such as flashlights, bottled water, and non-perishable food. After packaging the kits, students identified local senior citizens and deliver the kits prior to hurricane season. They also helped the seniors properly identify the safest and most effective evacuation routes and identify a shelter that best fits the seniors' personal needs.

The Caution Zone Project
Students visited seniors in their homes to assess their safety needs and identify potential environment hazards in and around the property. Students determined which items would make the home safer and then delivered and installed those items. The students also worked with seniors to identify, remove, and dispose of toxic and hazardous household waste.

Nosey Neighbors
Students hosted neighborhood block parties to acquaint residents and published directories that identify neighbors with special needs as well as neighbors with skills they are willing to share with others.

Pets in Emergencies
As many of the seniors (and other residents) had pets that would need care in case of evacuation, students surveyed local veterinaries, hotels, and kennels to determine "pet friendly" facilities in times of disaster. Guides are published and distributed to senior pet owners

Adapted from a project by the School District of Manatee County, ManaTEENS, and Volunteer Services of Manatee County, Inc., as described in A Guide to Engaging Students in Service-Learning Projects Addressing Hometown Safety. Published 2006 by Florida Learn & Serve, a program of the Florida Department of Education, Tallahassee.