Local News

Eclipse Traffic Could Impact Seniors Most

MADRAS, OR -- Senior care experts say the elderly in Jefferson County could be the most impacted by the high number of visitors expected for the solar eclipse. "Madras thinks that they might run out of gas, out of food, out of water, all the port-a-potties are going to be rented out," says Elizabeth Banderas, with Helping Hands Home Care. "We are looking at this as an emergency situation and we don’t want our seniors to be stuck in a situation with no help."

 

Seniors can get started on an eclipse emergency kit during a special preparedness meeting, Tuesday morning. Banderas says Helping Hands and Ashley Manor Senior Living will provide a few key items: "Solar eclipse glasses, so that everyone can safely watch the eclipse, water and granola bars, just to have a snack on hand and some water because they’re thinking water is going to be scarce during that week." Today's preparedness meeting at the Madras Senior Center starts at 10 a.m. and includes a presentation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. 
 
Banderas recommends seniors have their emergency supplies gathered by the end of this week, as traffic in Madras is already starting to pick up, and she says it's only going to get worse. She tells KBND News, kits should include extra medication and a few other important items: "We’re suggesting a flashlight, diabetic supplies if they’re diabetic, hearing aid batteries if they wear hearing aids, oxygen – if they use oxygen, they should have at least a week’s worth on hand."

 

Many Jefferson County seniors don’t drive and Banderas is worried they won't have access to help in an emergency. "I mean, I’m going to recommend to them that they have a family member stay with them or they stay with a family member. Because, if there is an emergency situation – their blood sugar dramatically drops or rises, or their blood pressure does the same thing – then, they’re going to need to have somebody there who can take care of them and react, because EMTs may not be able to react as quickly as their body needs them to."
 
Eclipse Coverage on KBND is supported in part by Awnings Unlimited. Shade yourself from the sun with Awnings Unlimited at 5541-389-1619 and awningsunlimited.net.

On Air Now

America in the Morning
5:00am - 6:00am
America in the Morning

FlashAlert

KBND ON FACEBOOK

News Disclaimers