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Solera CERT Cadre The publisher of our magazine received a compassionate message from a Solera resident, Caryl Kay, worth sharing: "Hi Courtney, A concern came up awhile back with a member of our Knit and Crochet group. Marge S. had always come week aer week then we didn't see her for three weeks and no one answered her phone at home. Her neighbor, Leann, noticed Marge's dog was at home, but Marge was not and called me to see if we had heard from her. is concerned neighbor contacted the Clubhouse office and learned Marge did not have an emergency contact listed, but they could only do a 'wellness check,' by knocking on Marge's door. We did finally find out Marge was in the hospital and then went on to rehab. e purpose of this story is to see if the following can be authorized, reviewed, and corrected for possible submission in Life in Solera by Management. I think this is important for Solera residents to be aware of and hope you think so too. ank you for your consideration of this matter. Caryl Kay." Some of our neighbors live alone, which can be problematic. To mitigate some of the challenges that "home alone" older adults may face, here is some information gleaned from preparedness agents like "www.Ready.gov" and the "American Red Cross." • Identify Likely Disasters: Know the types of disasters that could happen in your community. • Learn about Community Response Plans: Find out about local plans for emergency alerts, evacuation, and shelter resources. • Sign up for alerts and warnings to receive information during an emergency. • Get Trained: Learn first aid, CPR and the specific actions that can save your life for each type of disaster that is likely in your area. • Understand how your medical, physical, and cognitive needs may affect your ability to respond to a disaster or emergency. For more information on kit considerations by ability, go to ready.gov/ disability. • Think About How You Would Respond: Consider the needs you may have if the power went out, you had to stay home for two weeks or more, or if you had to evacuate your home or community. Most importantly, "Build a Support Network!" • Identify Helpers: Include family, friends, neighbors, caregivers and Solera property management staff, to build your network of people who may be able to assist you or that you can assist. • Meet with your helpers to assess your needs and plan together. • Plan how you'll communicate with helpers. Here are some great informational websites that I encourage you to visit: FEMA: https://www.ready.gov/older-adults American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to- prepare-for-emergencies/older-adults.html I highly recommend the listing of an ICE contact on your file maintained by the Solera office staff. ICE is the abbreviation of In Case of Emergency. ~ Written by Ray C. Gayton-Jacob, coordinator for the City of Beaumont/County of Riverside CERT program at Solera. https://www.solera-cert.info BUILD YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK For Seniors By Seniors Take responsibility to protect your life! Prepare NOW for a sudden emergency | LIFE IN SOLERA | JULY 2023 | 9

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