Storm News and Ideas for Boomers and Seniors, Grandparents and Caregivers

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Such sad news coming out about all the pain caused by so many tornados yesterday, as well as on Wednesday! Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone during these difficult times! It has definitely had a sad impact on so many, from young to old, including many in the Sandwich Generation, I’m sure!

Yesterday, I heard reports of a two year old found alone in a field in Indiana. I was so happy to hear later that they had identified her and a family member is with her. When I think of that little child, I think of my own grandchildren, and pray harder!

Another sad story was of a senior citizens center in Missouri that was totally destroyed. This center provided meals for over 200 senior citizens daily along with housekeeping help to enable many seniors to stay in their homes! Talk about a far-reaching impact!

I’m happy to report the good news for all ages – from kids to seniors – is that many agencies are already hard at work organizing help for those hurt by these storms, including two of my favorites, the Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse!

And some new info I just learned, that could enable many of you boomers and seniors to help in the NEXT weather emergency, whatever that might be, is an organization called SKYWARN. Per their website, “To obtain critical weather information, NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, established SKYWARN® with partner organizations. SKYWARN® is a volunteer program with nearly 290,000 trained severe weather spotters. These volunteers help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service. Although SKYWARN® spotters provide essential information for all types of weather hazards, the main responsibility of a SKYWARN® spotter is to identify and describe severe local storms.”

I would imagine many of us boomers and seniors might be interested in helping with this organization, which provides free training to its volunteers. As they explain on their site, “NWS encourages anyone with an interest in public service and access to communication, such HAM radio, to join the SKYWARN® program. Volunteers include police and fire personnel, dispatchers, EMS workers, public utility workers and other concerned private citizens. Individuals affiliated with hospitals, schools, churches, nursing homes or who have a responsibility for protecting others are also encouraged to become a spotter.” I know my husband and his senior dad would have loved participating in something like this. Since it was new to me, I thought you might enjoy hearing about it as well.

One last news update for the Sandwich Generation caring for elderly seniors – here’s an excellent article with information and suggestions for disaster preparedness specifically for senior citizens, including those in care facilities. And again, for all of you who have been impacted by these horrible storms, please know you are surrounded by God’s love and our prayers!