May is Older Americans Month. I would like to thank all of our Older Americans for all they have done for our nation and world, for their past accomplishments and for their future contributions.

We often forget the countless contributions, courage, and the dedication to purpose of these fine Americans. Looking at the last 70 years of our nation’s history gives a wonderful retrospect of what they have accomplished during a period that has come to be known as one of the most progressive times in American history.

They have marched to war and liberated tens of millions of people, opened the universe to exploration, developed cures and unraveled mysteries, championed social and political causes, raised our appreciation of our natural world, provided us with astounding works of art and entertainment, created technological marvels, heightened our understanding of each other, and raised a generation of successors. My hat’s off to these great folks!

From the Human Services New York City Office of Emergency Management:

In recognition of this month, New York City’s Office of Emergency Management and its partners are reaching out to ensure that the City’s older residents are armed with the knowledge and resources they need to be prepared and respond to an emergency.

Please take a minute to make sure your older residents know how to be prepared by following the simple actions listed below.

Call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/readynewyork to receive a free copy of the Ready New York Guide for Seniors and People with Disabilities which will teach you how to work with your clients to put together an emergency plan.

The guide is available in seven languages, Braille, and audio tape.

Encourage older people to sign-up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system which sends messages via landline, email, or text to people in specific zip codes. You can register at: http://nyc.gov/notifynyc

For more information on Older Americans Month, visit http://olderamericansmonth.org

We are happy to report that one of our partners, Meals on Wheels, is partnering with OEM to distribute 17,000 copies of the Ready New York Guide for Seniors and People with Disabilities to its clients. We thank Meals on Wheels for its willingness to spread the preparedness message and encourage other organizations to do so as well.

Please contact OEM’s Senior Outreach Coordinator, Frank Lowe, at flowe@oem.nyc.gov or 718-422-3061 to discuss ways we can collaborate, including having OEM staff give a presentation to your employees and/or those you serve.