IOWA Magazine | 09-02-2019
What You Need to Know to Stay Safe During a Natural Disaster
By Shelbi Thomas
0 minute read
UI College of Public Health associate professor Sato Ashida helps test your emergency preparedness.
Associate Professor Sato Ashida
Associate Professor Sato Ashida
When a natural disaster or other emergency strikes, Sato Ashida wants older adults—especially those more vulnerable due to mobility or chronic health issues—to be prepared. That's why the UI associate professor of community and behavioral health developed PrepWise, a guide that helps senior citizens create personalized emergency and disaster plans. Ashida, a policy fellow for the Iowa Institute of Public Health Research and Policy, also works on policies to improve older Iowans' preparedness for emergency situations. Here are her recommendations for how to be ready for floods, tornadoes, and other safety threats:
- Know and assess your risks. Consider how you will be alerted to an emergency and have an evacuation plan.
- Develop a personal emergency support network of at least three individuals.
- Collect emergency information and important documents. Keep a three- to five-day supply of medications and medical supplies.
- Build an emergency supply kit for home and on the go.
Watch a video introduction to PrepWise.
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