By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Los Alamos Retired & Senior Organization

This week I would like to focus on the fact that smart people use resources.

I know it sounds simple, but too often we get caught up in life and forget to take the time to do simple things, or not be aware of the importance of other things.

There are so many ways that I want to highlight this area. My first concern with seniors is, are they alone? Do you know a senior that lives alone and aren’t sure if they are connected to the senior centers? Do you know if they are aware of our services? You can call me or send me an email and I will get them our newsletter, so they see what we have to offer. They also will  see how much they can do for free.

I feel like one of our job duties is to worry about things some might not be worried about yet. The topic we have been working on lately is emergency preparedness. This takes on a huge meaning for me, from Coronavirus to wildfire season. We’re thinking about it all, not in a Nervous Nelly kind of way, but in a one-step ahead of the game kind of way.

We have presentations coming up for Emergency Preparedness and what you need to be ready. We want to make sure you have an emergency plan, or help you acquire one. Are you aware of the county’s Volunteer Emergency Registry? If not, perhaps we can help you get registered, especially if you don’t have a computer or on-line access.

Are you aware of the Code Red and the Code Red mobile app, that can notify you of local emergencies? Once again, a simple on-line registration, but do you even know if you are registered yet? Our goal is to have the resources on hand for you to help with the planning. The local office of Emergency Management has developed these handy evacuation workbooks, free for the taking.

Have you heard of Fire Department’s Vial of Life? Do you have a list of important medications at the ready, in case you have to leave, or aren’t home? We have a document for that too, just ask. We want to help you acquire the resources you might need, that will fill a variety of needs. If you are able, stop by, we have a small display of resources, at both centers.

We want to get you up to snuff, so that you are prepared for any circumstance. If you are interested, give me a call or send me an email and I can get some information headed your way. Perhaps we can help you get it filled out or even register you in the county system. The most important thing to remember is that there’s only one stupid question, only the one you don’t ask. So, visit your local senior center, call Bernadette at 662.8920 or email Director@losalamosseniorcenter.com. We’ll get you connected to the right resources, whenever you are ready.