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National Preparedness Month Social Media Toolkit

Theme

Graphics

Hashtags

Key Messaging

Call to Action

Social Media Posts

Additional Graphic Content

The below language can be used to share information, updates and messaging for Older Adult Preparedness during National Preparedness Month.

Theme

  • This year’s theme is “Take Control in 1, 2, 3”.
  • This theme empowers everyone, especially older adults, to 1) assess their needs, 2) make a plan and 3) engage their support network to stay safe when disaster strikes.

Graphics

To make your post stand out, consider incorporating relevant graphics or emojis, as well.

Hashtags

  • #NPM2023
  • #TakeControl123

Key Messaging

  • Older adults can face greater risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and emergencies we now face, especially if they are living alone, have low-income, have a disability, or live in rural areas.
  • FEMA’s critical partners, emergency managers and all those who work with and support older adult communities to access the new webpage available in English and Spanish languages at Ready.gov/older-adults and Ready.gov/es/adultos-mayores for initial messaging, graphics and resources.
  • By the year 2035, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that there will be more Americans over the age of 65 than under the age of 18. Over the next decade, it is imperative that the growing older adult population become more aware of their risks and better prepared for them.


Call to Action

  • Older adults and their caregivers can overcome these potential obstacles and increase their resilience by taking control in 1, 2, 3.
  • Assess your needs. If you have medications that need refrigeration, rely on mobility or assistive devices or have a pet you’ll need to understand how these variables will factor into what you’ll need to stay safe in a disaster or emergency.
  • Make a plan. Once you assess your needs, you can tailor your plans to make sure your needs are met. This can include building a kit that includes extra medication, having a way to store medications in an emergency and planning for your pets or service animals. If you’re an older adult or work with and support older adult communities visit Ready.gov/older-adults and Ready.gov/es/adultos-mayores for resources.
  • Engage your support network. Reaching out to family, friends and neighbors can help you build a support network that can support you before, during and after a disaster or emergency. Share each aspect of your emergency plan with everyone in your group, including a friend or relative in another area who would not be impacted by the same emergency who can help if necessary. Make sure everyone knows how you plan to evacuate your home or workplace and where you will go in case of a disaster. Make sure that someone in your personal support network has an extra key to your home and knows where you keep your emergency supplies. Practice your plan with those who have agreed to be part of your personal support network.

Suggested Social Media Post Messaging

Older adults may need additional support before, during, or after disasters. 

  • Make sure to include your neighbors’ contact information in your emergency plan. 
  • #TakeControl123: Ask them for help with building an emergency kit, evacuation transportation, or your specific needs. 

Older adults with disabilities may need extra help during and after an emergency. Consider these tips to keep them safe: 

  • Have a contact list of your support network on their phone. 
  • Put medical alert tags or bracelets on them.  
  • Add medical information to their electronic devices. 
  • More: ready.gov/disability 
    #NPM2023 

Keep older adults prepared for any disaster emergency! 

  • Have multiple ways to receive alerts before, during, and after disasters. If you don’t have internet, teach your family how to use a radio with batteries for updates from local officials. 
  • ready.gov/alerts 
    #NPM2023 

Protect older adult's finances by helping them review their insurance policy every year. Make sure their insurance policy covers hurricane-related hazards like flooding and high winds. 

  • If you have questions, talk to an agent or visit: floodsmart.gov. 
    #NPM2023 

Questions to keep in mind if you live with an older adult: 

  1. Do they use essential medical devices? 
  2. How would you evacuate with those devices in an emergency? 
  3. Do you have an alternate plan for refrigerating medicines if you lose power? 
    #NPM2023 #TakeControl123 

Do you take care of an older adult? Make sure they are ready in case of an emergency: 

  1. Have a copy of their house key 
  2. Know where they keep emergency supplies 
  3. Learn how to use lifesaving equipment and administer medicine 
    #NPM2023 

Are older adults in your life ready to evacuate if needed? 

  1. Have a transportation plan in case they don’t have a car or driver’s license 
  2. Take medical equipment into consideration 
  3. Keep in mind unique difficulties 
    #NPM2023 

Additional Graphic Content

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Videos

Last Updated: 09/01/2023

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