Sharing information for the well-being of seniors in and around the Motherlode. The Commission on Aging is an informed voice in the community, to advise, support and advocate on any or all matters affecting the aging in Tuolumne County.
At the March 14 regular general meeting of the Tuolumne County Commission on Aging, Carole Mutzner, the Regional Director of the American Red Cross, appeared before the Commission and spoke on Emergency Preparedness. She emphasized that people need to be prepared ahead of time for potential disasters especially during periods of bad weather, such as floods, lightning strikes, earthquakes, wildfires. The latter (fast-moving wildfires), she said, are the most common disaster event in our county. Ms Mutzner also said that when people are prepared, studies have found they are better able to recover from disasters, in that they progress faster psychologically from being “victim” to “survivor”.
She summarized the steps to disaster planning as:
1. Make a plan:
a. put fresh batteries in smoke detectors
b. plan your escape routes with your family, complete with meeting locations
2. Prepare a kit
a. copies of important papers
b. supplies of any medications, enough for 3-4 days (especially important for seniors)
c. make a list of your contact information – family, doctors, emergency agencies
d. pack enough food and water for 3 days
e. pack a change of clothes, flashlight, and a battery-powered radio
... adjust this part of your “plan” to YOUR individual comfort level, take what's IMPORTANT to YOU
3. Be informed - how will you get information?
a. battery-powered radio
b. “plug-in” corded phone(s) – if you don't have one, they are available from Walmart for around $10
c. in bad weather, maintain the charging of your cell phone(s)
REMEMBER: ADVANCE PREPARATION IS ESSENTIAL and can even save your life!
For more information ... go to the website for our area: http://redcrosscrc.org/about-us/locations.html#sonora
American Red Cross
13669 Mono Way, Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 533-1513
ANNOUNCING 2011 Senior Expo !!!
The 2011 Senior Expo will be held May 25, 2011 from 9am to 2pm at the MOTHERLODE FAIRGROUNDS, John Muir Building. The Expo features the opportunity for blood draws, a very popular Senior Idol contest, and many various for-profit and non-profit groups will present their senior-oriented services and wares. In addition, many booths will be informational. This is a FREE event open to anyone, particularly seniors, family, caregivers, but also any and all interested parties. For more information, to become a sponsor, or to reserve your own booth (the deadline is April 30th!), please call the Senior Expo Coordinator: 209-532-1607 or go to the website: http://www.seniorfair.com/
Features and typical booths:
* Senior Idol contest! DO YOU SING OR DANCE?
* Finance/Insurance
* Medical such as blood draw (nominal fee)
* Caregivers information / options
* FOOD - will be available
Commission on Aging Events Calendar 2011
1) Commission on Aging Executive Board meetings 1:00PM, 1st Monday each month, at Senior Center
2) Commission on Aging Public Relations committee meetings, 12:00PM, 1st Wednesday each month, at Interfaith
3) Commission on Aging general meetings 1:30PM, 2nd Monday each month, at Area 12 Agency on Aging, Standard Rd., Conf. Room C
4) May 25 – Senior Fair & Expo, Motherlode Fairgrounds, John Muir Building 9AM-2PM
5) June 22 - Senior Volunteer of the Year Awards Ceremony 11AM at Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors' Chambers, 4th Floor, 2 Green St. Sonora
6) October 19 - Centenarian Awards Ceremony 11AM Senior Center Sonora
All COA meetings are open to the public. Please come and give us your ideas, concerns, and information regarding senior issues!
Blog Editor: Roberta Goodwin
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