State Farm and Spectrum Generations work together to keep seniors safe
Photo: (left to right) Holly Ostlund, State Farm Representative, Jason Ritchie, State Farm Agent, and Gerard Queally, Spectrum Generations CEO.
With the help of a $5,000 grant from State Farm Insurance, Spectrum Generations has been able to provide 2,000 Home Safety Emergency Plan Prep Guides to central Maine’s older and disabled adults to assist them with being better prepared for potential emergencies or natural disasters.
Spectrum Generations is a trusted resource for central Maine’s older and disabled adults, plus their families and caregivers. Many of our constituents live in rural communities, sometimes miles away from their nearest neighbor. Some are also homebound. Without adequate emergency planning that involves family members or a caregiver, even a minor situation can quickly turn into a major crisis.
The Home Safety Emergency Planning Guide is an educational booklet designed to help people prepare for potential life or property threatening disasters. The guide, which is endorsed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides simple instructions to create a family communication plan; build a disaster supply kit; and conduct a home safety check. The booklet also features preparedness tips for the 10 most common disasters, along with some basic first aid information. A magnet is attached to the guide so that it can be stored in a visible place where it is easily accessible by family members and emergency response teams.
In addition to distributing the Home Safety Emergency Plan guides to our most vulnerable homebound Meals on Wheels consumers and their family caregivers, Spectrum Generations also has a supply available at our seven central Maine Community Centers for center visitors. The guides will be made available to the general public at health expos and other public appearances. Look for our “Be Prepared” tips quarterly on our website and Facebook page. These messages will focus on seasonal risks (snowstorms, extreme cold/heat) and emergency/disaster planning tips.
For more information about the Home Safety Emergency Plan guides, or about Spectrum Generations programs and services, call 1-800-639-1553 to speak with one of our Aging and Disability Resource Counselors. Visit us on the web at www.spectrumgenerations.org and don’t forget to “Like Us” on Facebook. 
