April 4, 2008

Charleston, W.Va. — Disaster kits will be distributed this month to at-risk seniors and disabled residents in Cabell, Boone, Kanawha and Putnam counties, thanks to a project spearheaded by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of the United Way of Central West Virginia.

Kits will include food, water, blanket, flashlight and other items to be used if shelter-in-place or evacuation orders occur after an emergency.

The program received a $4,500 grant award from the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service and the Homeland Security Grant Program to purchase more than 100 American Red Cross kits, which will be distributed to seniors and disabled adults who live alone and might not be able to make preparations to keep themselves safe in a disaster.

The project is a collaborative effort that includes Hansford Senior Center in St. Albans, Citizen Corps of St. Albans and Charleston, Putnam Aging and other agencies. It will kick off with an event on Monday, April 7, at 11:30 a.m. at the Hansford Senior Center.

The kits will be distributed to seniors and disabled adults who have been identified as living in areas particularly vulnerable to disaster or who would have the most difficulty with mobility during an emergency. Community Emergency Response Team members and Meals on Wheels volunteers will assist with kit distribution.

This phase of the project will be completed by April 18, but organizers hope to make it an ongoing effort and are encouraging people to donate money for the purchase of additional emergency kits.

For more information, contact Heather Foster at (304) 558-0111.