BLUF: FEMA’s Ready Campaign for National Preparedness Month 2023 will focus on preparing older adults, especially those from communities disproportionally impacted by all-hazard events.
OSINT: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced that the 2023 National Preparedness Month campaign will prioritize preparing older adults for natural disasters, as they are more vulnerable to chronic conditions, social isolation, and the need for assistive devices and medications. The agency will work with its critical partners and emergency managers to access the new webpage available in English and Spanish languages for messages, graphics, and resources on Ready.gov/older-adults.
RIGHT: The government should not interfere with individual responsibility to prepare for natural disasters, and instead of trying to scare people into preparedness, FEMA should focus on education and building self-sufficient communities. The agency’s latest campaign plan is an unnecessary use of taxpayers’ money and an infringement on personal freedom of senior citizens.
LEFT: FEMA’s approach to prioritize the most vulnerable in the community is commendable, but the agency must recognize that systemic inequalities put these groups at higher risks, and providing aid after disasters are not enough. The government must address these underlying issues and invest in disaster-resilient infrastructure and affordable healthcare to prevent future emergencies.
INTEL: FEMA’s focus on older adults and vulnerable communities is a necessary step towards inclusive and impactful disaster preparedness. To maximize the campaign’s effectiveness, the agency should collaborate with local organizations and governments to tailor information and resources to each community’s unique needs and cultural sensitivities. Also, the agency should invest in AI-powered tools to provide more accessible and personalized assistance to older adults and various populations during disasters.