September is National Preparedness Month and agencies across the country are working to engage their communities to prepare for emergencies and disasters.
Annually, the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) establishes a nationwide theme for the month. This year’s theme is “Take Control in 1,2,3.” The campaign will focus on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically older adults in communities which are disproportionally impacted by diverse hazardous events, which continue to threaten the nation. While this theme will focus on older adults, it’s important to remember that preparedness is for everyone.
According to the American Red Cross, several factors make older adults more vulnerable after disasters, including, but not limited to: a greater likelihood to suffer from chronic conditions and the need for associated medications; a greater reliance on assistive devices such as walkers or glasses, as well as support from caregivers and others; and an increased likelihood of social isolation
Throughout the month of September, the Denver Office of Emergency Management (Denver OEM) will share thoughtful content on Facebook (facebook.com/DenverOEM) and X (formerly Twitter) (X.com/DenverOEM) to help residents learn how to prepare for emergencies and disasters.
At the end of the month, the City of Denver is hosting a Preparedness Fair on Saturday, September 23 at the Montbello Recreation Center (15555 E. 53rd Ave., Denver, CO 80239) from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Agencies participating in the fair include Denver Fire, Denver Police, American Red Cross, FEMA, Atlantis, and the Mexican Consulate of Denver. People will have a chance to speak with experts about increasing their emergency preparedness. Additionally, people will be given free preparedness backpacks and other DenverREADY swag on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last.
To learn more about DenverREADY program, visit denvergov.org/DenverREADY.
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