Dr. Andrew Armacost, President | University of North Dakota
Dr. Andrew Armacost, President | University of North Dakota
On May 15, The Conversation published an article by Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, a clinical assistant professor at the University of North Dakota. The piece emphasizes the necessity of assisting older adults in preparing for hurricanes. As of May 27, the article has been republished by 20 media outlets and read over 5,000 times across several countries including the United States, Canada, France, Ireland, and the Czech Republic.
The Conversation is a nonprofit media platform that provides "explanatory journalism" from university scholars and allows free republication of these stories. UND faculty interested in contributing to The Conversation can find more information on writing for the platform through resources available on UND Today.
For inquiries about contributing to The Conversation, Tom Dennis and Adam Kurtz from UND's communications team are available for contact.
Williams highlights that emergency preparedness plans often neglect the specific needs of older adults in America’s aging population. Many elders live alone and face challenges during disasters like hurricanes. Williams stresses that families should work with their older relatives to create an emergency plan well before hurricane season begins.
The need for such planning was underscored by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. These storms forced evacuations and exposed inadequacies in shelters' ability to meet medical needs. Flooding isolated rural homes, leaving many older adults stranded without power or assistance.
Williams offers five steps for families to help prepare their elderly members:
1. **Prepare an emergency folder**: Include essential documents like prescription lists and contact information.
2. **Have backup medications and equipment**: Ensure extra batteries, chargers, mobility aids, and supplies for service animals are ready.
3. **Map evacuation routes**: Identify nearby shelters suitable for older adults’ needs and plan pet accommodations.
4. **Create a multiperson check-in system**: Involve multiple caregivers or community members to ensure redundancy.
5. **Practice the plan**: Regularly rehearse evacuation steps so everyone knows what to do during an emergency.
Williams concludes that emergency planning should be collaborative with older adults rather than done solely on their behalf.
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