Overview
SENIOR P.R.E.P. is a program designed to provide planning resources to aid South Carolina's senior population in emergency planning.
P.R.E.P. stands for Planning and Resources for Emergency Preparedness.
The theme for Senior P.R.E.P. is Plan Ahead. Stay Ahead. Have You Prepared?
Senior P.R.E.P. information can be found at your local Walgreens.
Did you know?
South Carolina’s senior population is growing at a significant rate. This wave of seniors is expected to present national and local challenges, and in South Carolina, our senior population is projected to more than double to 1.8 million by 2030.
What is SENIOR P.R.E.P.?
- An initiative designed to raise awareness of the importance of individual emergency preparedness for South Carolina’s senior population.
- A South Carolina Department on Aging program in partnership with Walgreens and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
- A resource to help safeguard our target population by promoting individual preparedness and awareness.
- A 2015 nominee for the FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award.
Where can I find help during a disaster?
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) is the coordinating agency responsible for the statewide emergency management program. When a disaster happens, SCEMD, county, local leaders, and volunteer organizations collaborate to coordinate a rapid response effectively. For more information regarding SCEMD or your county emergency management offices, visit www.SCEMD.org
Where can I find help for day-to-day assistance?
In South Carolina, there are 10 regional Area Agencies on Aging/ Aging and Disability Resource Centers that provide services, such as home-delivered meals, transportation, in-home care, etc., to help enhance the quality of life for older adults and adults with disabilities. For more information, call 1-800-868-9095 or visit www.getcaresc.com. For more information on your local AAA/ADRC and the services they provide, call 1-800-868-9095, or visit www.getcaresc.com.
Things to Consider
Plan for Your Pet(s)
Remember that animals react differently under stress. It is important to make plans for them before an emergency.
- Include your pet in your family disaster plan.
- Keep your animals' immunization records and medications on hand.
- Have a cage/carrier, leash, bowls, food and water for each pet.
- If you evacuate, plan to evacuate your pet too.
Roadmap to avoid scams
- Don’t answer calls or respond to text messages from numbers you don’t know. Block these numbers as they come in.
- Don’t give personal or financial information for a request that you didn’t expect. Legitimate businesses don’t do this.
- Don’t fall for high pressure tactics. Anyone who pressures you to make a decision, pay or give over personal info is a scammer.
- Know the forms of payment scammers like to use. Beware of gift cards, cryptocurrency and wire transfers.
- Stop and talk to someone you trust. Before you do anything, tell a friend, family member or neighbor what happened.
Information provided by the SC Department of Consumer Affairs.
Seniors with Disabilities or Functional Needs
- Plan with family, friends and caregivers to assist with limitations.
- Include necessary assistive technology and medical supplies (i.e., oxygen tank) in your emergency kit.
- Have a plan or backup resource to power essential medical equipment.
- Check with any agency providing you services for special provisions in an emergency.
- Have clear and concise instructions for rescue personnel regarding special needs or equipment.
- Map out accessible emergency exits at home and work.
- Consider getting a medical alert system that can be used to call for help.
Helpful Websites
The information provided on the following websites may be helpful. However, not all listed sites are official government sites and may not be completely up-to-date or accurate.