Greenfield Event to Tackle Disaster Planning for Seniors, People with Disabilities

GREENFIELD — The city of Greenfield invites residents to join representatives from the Greenfield Fire and Emergency Management Department and other local officials for a free, informational event and conversation for people with disabilities, older adults, their families, and advocates.

The goal of the event — slated for Tuesday, May 12 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the John Zon Senior Center — is to help residents better prepare for emergencies or natural disasters by fostering communication and a better understanding of the barriers and needs of people with disabilities and older adults in an emergency.

Communication barriers, means of egress, and other needs and challenges will be discussed. The city will share information on Greenfield Community Connect and the disability indicator form for landline, wireless, and VoIP consumers — two free, important programs for residents to provide crucial information to fire and emergency responders, in the event of a fire or other emergency at one’s home.

This event will be hosted by the Greenfield Community and Economic Development Department with funding from a Massachusetts Office on Disability grant and Mass in Motion. Refreshments will be provided at the end of the event. Emergency management preparedness handouts will be available. Registration is not required.