Seniors face greater risk

Evident during the recent hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, the health

and safety of seniors is particularly at risk in the event of a

disaster -- natural or otherwise. And as with all segments of the

population, it is important seniors are prepared.

Aviva Goelman, executive director of the Costa Mesa Senior Center,

said her staff is being trained on what to do in case of an

emergency. She also said the center is a Red Cross evacuation center,

and if a large-scale disaster takes place, the Red Cross would

commandeer the facility.

“If there’s an earthquake or if there’s a flood, the Red Cross

takes over,” Goelman said. “We as staff do not have much say.”

Celeste Jardine-Haug, senior services manager for Newport Beach,

said the Oasis Senior Center is designated as a care and reception

center but is not a shelter because it does not have working showers.

“Seniors are safe in that our staff actually knows how to run a

shelter if that’s what we need to do,” Jardine-Haug said.

She added that communication is the most important thing in the

event of a disaster, and she thinks the city is well prepared to work

with the residents in helping them find out where to go and what to

do.

“I’m not sure the residents are aware how prepared the city is,”

Jardine-Haug said. “I do realize that we need to let the people who

come here know that there is a plan.”

Goelman and Jardine-Haug said it’s critical that local seniors

have a plan of their own in case of emergency.

The Costa Mesa Senior Center will host a disaster preparedness

workshop from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday in the arts and crafts room, 695

West 19th St., Costa Mesa. People planning to attend should call

(949) 645-2356.

The Oasis Senior Center will hold a disaster preparedness talk at

1 p.m. Oct. 5 in the multi-purpose room, 800 Marguerite Ave., Corona

del Mar. People planning to attend should call (949) 644-3244.