Realizing the importance of making sure seniors in the community are ready in case of a disaster, local resident Jack Dove has created a disaster plan for his residence, Ridge View Commons, and hopes it will catch on with other Pleasanton agencies outside of the senior community. Called “YOYO,” an acronym for “You’re On Your Own,” he is encouraging seniors to learn how they can take care of themselves in emergencies.
“I’m the yo-yo man,” said Dove, as he tossed a yo-yo designed with the program’s logo. “I joke, but it’s actually a lot more serious than that.”
Dove introduced the program to residents at Ridge View Commons and hopes it will continue to grow from there. The police and fire departments have both gotten involved and are supporting the program.
The program encourages seniors to keep an emergency list with the names of their family contacts, as well as a list of their medications, doctors and allergies. They should then give that list to their children and other family contacts, so everyone can get involved and is aware of the senior’s needs. Seniors are also encouraged to keep supplies they may need during an emergency, such as battery operated flashlights, water and canned goods. Recognizing that money can be tight for some seniors, Dove provides them with a list showing what the most expensive options are, as well as the cost-effective options.
Dove is currently discussing with Target and Wal-Mart the possibility of setting up displays at both stores highlighting what emergency supplies can be purchased at a reasonable cost. There is the possibility Wal-Mart may help to fund some of the seniors’ kits, but it is not official yet, Dove said.
The program also advocates for seniors to keep two weeks worth of medications on hand at all times, however, that is something not all seniors can do due to stipulations in their insurance plans, Dove said.
Beyond the senior community, Dove is meeting with churches, schools and the Hacienda Business Park to encourage the organizations to start a similar program with their members. He hopes to get the program entirely operational in about six months to a year.
–Rebecca Guyon
