Evacuation Challenges for Elderly Residents During Storms

A recent article by NPR highlights the considerable challenges emergency managers face in helping elderly residents evacuate in advance of storms.

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/09/05/757674278/they-just-panic-elderly-residents-face-evacuation-challenges-during-storms

From the perspective of Alysia Mihalakos, Chief of the RI Department of Health’s Center for Preparedness and Response, the NPR piece provides a good reminder of what we’re likely to face here in Rhode Island during an emergency that requires widespread evacuation. One important tool is the RI Special Needs Emergency Registry (RISNER) that we should use and encourage our residents to enroll in when appropriate.

http://www.health.ri.gov/emergency/about/specialneedsregistry/