Help Someone Prepare Today

Americans of all ages are coming together in service, and volunteering to make our nation a better place. Recognizing that boomers and older Americans have much to contribute, earlier this year AARP launched Create the Good to help our members get involved in activities that assist their neighbors and better their communities.

The latest way you can make a difference with Create the Good is by helping your friends and neighbors get prepared for a potential emergency or hurricane.

Operation Emergency Prepare

Disasters can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere. Whether one comes in the form of a hurricane, tornado, fire, flood, earthquake, or some other unforeseen calamity, it’s important to be ready. Remember that you’ll need to not only weather the crisis, but you’ll want to put your life and those of your friends and family back in order afterwards.

Operation Emergency Prepare and Operation Hurricane Prepare offer downloadable tools to help you help the people you care about prepare for any emergency or disaster that might demand evacuation or confinement to the home. Emergencies and disasters are especially trying for older community members who may have physical limitations—so be sure to consider those individuals first as you plan to share the Emergency Prepare tools.

Activities

Whether you have a few minutes or a few hours—these activities can help those you care about prepare for an emergency.

Create a Vital Document Checklist—Help family, friends, and neighbors collect, copy and store their most important documents, examples of vital documents include:

• Personal Identification
• Personal Medication Record
• Social Security and Health Insurance Cards
• Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks/bonds

Follow a Basic Emergency Supply Kit Checklist—In the event of a crisis, be prepared by gathering a few basic supplies:

• Water
• Food
• First Aid Kit
• Battery-powered flashlight

Make an Evacuation Plan Checklist—Help family, friends and neighbors map out what to do if required to evacuate, such as bringing these important items:

• Car keys and keys to the place you’re going
• Maps
• Cash and traveler’s checks

Distribute Basic Tips for Emergency Planning—Provide copies of the Emergency Prepare Checklists and Basic Tips to help protect those you care about during and after a disaster.

Get Involved with Create the Good

Create the Good has its own Online Community where members can share their volunteer experiences and get new ideas.

If you would like more information on how to Create the Good in Massachusetts, send an email to ma@aarp.org or call us toll free at 1-866-448-3621.