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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2008

Department of Aging Encourages Organizations and Individuals to Consider Older Ohioans in Weather Preparedness Plans
Spring Severe Weather Safety Awareness Week is March 23-29, 2008

COLUMBUS - Next week, tornado sirens will sound all over the Ohio as part of the state's spring weather awareness campaign. The Ohio Department of Aging asks organizations, families and individuals to not only participate in the statewide drill, but also to consider the often unique needs of senior citizens and people with disabilities, should such an emergency arise, and develop preparedness plans with them in mind.

"With tornadoes in January and a blizzard in March, one thing we've learned about the weather this year is that it can be unpredictable and very dangerous," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the department. "Tornado drills and other awareness activities shouldn't just be targeted at school children. Awareness of and preparation for natural disasters is vital to ensure the safety of all our valued citizens."

March 23 through 29 is Spring Severe Weather Safety Awareness Week in Ohio. On Wednesday, March 26, at 9:50 a.m., Ohio will conduct its annual statewide tornado drill, which is the cornerstone of a campaign to get all Ohioans to understand and prepare for spring-related severe weather, including thunderstorms, lightning, flooding and tornadoes.

"While everyone should have access to a preparedness kit for severe weather, seniors and people with disabilities may have special needs that require additional planning," added Riley. "Beyond finding appropriate shelter, older Ohioans and others must also consider what to do in the case of electrical outage, lack of access to repairs if certain equipment breaks down, running out of medications and loss of access to personal care assistance, all of which can occur during severe weather."

State of Ohio agencies responsible for disability and aging services and Ohio's Developmental Disabilities Network, in conjunction with the Ohio Legal Rights Service, have launched the Emergency Management Be Prepared Kit, a publication and companion Web site (olrs.ohio.gov/beprepared/beprepared.htm) containing checklists that will guide individuals on the documents they need to copy and keep and the supplies they should have on hand at all times, in case of emergency.

The Ohio Department of Aging is a proud member of the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, a collaboration of public organizations, state agencies and media dedicated to educating the public on severe weather safety and preparedness. To learn more about the committee and specific activities for Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week, visit weathersafety.ohio.gov.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.