Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina is getting older, and the shift is no longer something state leaders, families or caregivers can treat as a distant concern.
By 2030, an estimated 1.8 million South Carolinians will be age 60 or older, a major demographic change that is expected to bring new challenges for emergency planning, health care, transportation, daily support and disaster response.
That growth is why preparedness efforts aimed at older adults are taking on greater importance, especially in a state where hurricanes, severe storms, flooding and power outages can quickly turn dangerous for people who rely on medication, mobility devices, medical equipment or caregiver support.
The message behind South Carolina’s Senior P.R.E.P. program is simple: “Plan Ahead. Stay Ahead. Have You Prepared?”
Senior P.R.E.P., which stands for Planning and Resources for Emergency Preparedness, is a South Carolina Department on Aging program created in partnership with Walgreens and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
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The initiative is designed to raise awareness about individual emergency planning for seniors and help protect older adults before disaster strikes. Program information can be found at local Walgreens stores, giving residents and caregivers another place to access preparedness guidance.
For families helping an older loved one prepare, the emergency kit should go beyond food, water and flashlights. Officials recommend including a medical ID bracelet, insurance and prescription cards, medical equipment with extra batteries, mobility aids such as a walker, cane or wheelchair, reading glasses and dentures.
These items may seem small during normal days, but in an evacuation, outage or shelter setting, they can make a major difference.
South Carolina Emergency Management Division, available at www.SCEMD.org, serves as the coordinating agency for statewide emergency management. During disasters, SCEMD works with county emergency offices, local leaders and volunteer groups to support a rapid and organized response.
For day-to-day assistance, older residents and adults with disabilities can turn to South Carolina’s 10 regional Area Agencies on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Centers. These agencies provide services such as home-delivered meals, transportation and in-home care. More information is available by calling 1-800-868-9095 or visiting www.getcaresc.com.
Preparedness also includes people with disabilities or functional needs. Families, friends and caregivers are encouraged to plan around limitations, include assistive technology and medical supplies such as oxygen tanks, secure backup power for essential medical devices, map accessible emergency exits and prepare clear instructions for rescue personnel. A medical alert system may also help older adults call for help when needed.
Other organizations also play a role. Able South Carolina, the state’s oldest and largest federally recognized disability-led organization, provides services that help people with disabilities prepare for emergencies and find resources before, during and after disasters. Disability Rights South Carolina works to protect the legal, civil and human rights of people with disabilities.
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Preparedness should also cover pets. Families are urged to include animals in disaster plans, keep immunization records and medications ready, prepare carriers, leashes, bowls, food and water, and evacuate pets when evacuation becomes necessary.
Officials also warn that emergencies can create openings for scammers. Older adults should avoid calls or texts from unknown numbers, refuse unexpected requests for personal or financial information, reject pressure tactics, watch for payment demands involving gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers, and speak with someone they trust before taking action. Information on scam prevention is provided by the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs.
As South Carolina’s senior population continues to rise, the larger lesson is clear. Preparedness is not just a government responsibility. It begins at home, with families, neighbors, caregivers and older adults making plans before the storm clouds arrive.
