Newberry seniors attend emergency preparedness event

NEWBERRY, SC (WOLO) — For senior citizens, knowing what to do in the event of an emergency can not only provide peace of mind, but help save lives.

Thursday’s event known as Senior P.R.E.P. (Planning and Resources for Emergency Preparedness) took place at the Newberry Fire Department.

Sponsored by the SC Council on Aging and Newberry Mayor Foster Senn, the event brought out over 100 seniors looking for more information on a number of disasters — and how to prepare.

“I may be able to save my life as well as saving someone else’s if I’m really prepared for these disasters as they come along,” says Dorothy Scurry.

Seniors were able to speak directly with agency and organization representatives and pick up much needed resources — regarding severe weather, health-related issues, and scam prevention.

“Even though you’re prepared with a telephone number, you really don’t know how you’re gonna use that until the time comes,” says Peggy Berley. “I think it’s especially good for seniors who live alone. You’re there by yourself. You don’t have help, and you need to know as much as you can,” says Freddie Mills.

Andrew Nelson with the SC Department of Consumer Affairs says the agency is able to assist seniors when businesses treat them poorly. They can also help prevent seniors from having their identity stolen or being caught in a scam from a phone call or text.

“Every single consumer, old and young, are going to deal with scams, and identity theft. So being able to have this information to protect themselves is really important, because as soon as they transfer any sort of information or money, it’s nearly impossible or almost impossible to get any of that stuff back,” says Nelson.

Upon leaving the event, the SC Department on Aging gifted each guest with an emergency kit — filled with a weather radio, pill box, foldable cane, poncho, and survival blanket.

Senior P.R.E.P. Program Manager Michael Christopher says it’s best to be prepared for at least three days — but preferably for an entire week.

“It’s important to think about an emergency kit for yourself, for your family, pets, and neighbors, and so as you’re doing this think about all of those people that could help you and that you could help,” says Christopher.

For more information, visit the SC Dept. of Aging’s site on Senior P.R.E.P. here.