Wildwood Urges Seniors and Disabled to Plan for Emergencies

WILDWOOD – The 2014 hurricane season started June 1. Hurricane Arthur made his presence known off the coast of this city during the Independence Day holiday as the storm’s feeder bands made their way into the city. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting 70 percent chance of eight to 13 named storms, including three to six that could develop into hurricanes, including one or two major storms that could be categorized as three to five on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. Public safety during emergencies is high on the list Wildwood’s government officials.
“We want all of our citizens, especially our seniors and those with disabilities to be ready in the event of a disaster or emergency,” said Mayor Ernie Troiano, Jr. “The City of Wildwood wants everyone to be safe and to have an emergency plan in place.”
Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency or disaster is key for residents and visitors alike. For those with disabilities, however, dealing with a disaster or emergency can be difficult.
According to Cape May County Disabilities Coordinator Paulann Pierson, the frail, elderly or people with disabilities may need additional assistance to get out of harm’s way.
“Even though people have caregivers, you’re never guaranteed that during a disaster you will stay together,” said Pierson. Using the example of an elderly parent who lives with their adult child, Pierson said if the call comes to evacuate quickly, the adult child who may not be at home will not be able to immediately assist their elderly or disabled at-home parent who may require special assistance.
The state, which offers a registry at www.nj.ready.gov, for those who need assistance in the event of an emergency, shares the registry’s information with local municipalities, including the City of Wildwood
Even if registered on the state’s list Pierson said senior citizens and the disabled should not get lulled into a false sense of security.
“None of us should look for a knight in shining armor to swoop down and help us,” said Pierson. She added it’s important for everyone to have a plan to do as much as they can for themselves. “It’s important to be proactive and plan for an emergency.”
To help with those plans, New Jersey’s Division of Disability Services and New Jersey Office of Emergency Management are sponsoring an interactive training program to assist people with disabilities, their assistants, family and friends to prepare for emergencies.
Co-hosted by the Cape May County Department of Aging/Disability Services and the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management, the program will take place Mon., July 28 at the Cape May County Public Safety Training Center from noon until 2 p.m. The center is located in the Cape May County Complex, located at 171 Crest Haven Rd.
A free light lunch will be available to those in attendance. In addition, each household will receive a disaster kit worth $50.
Those needing special accommodation to attend the program are encouraged to contact Pierson at 609-886-2784.