NORTH HOLLYWOOD : Free Program Offers Quake Tips to Seniors

Senior citizens can get free advice and help in preparing for earthquakes under a new program set up by the Valley Storefront Multiservice Center for Seniors in North Hollywood.

“We had so many seniors who were so devastated by the earthquake, who lost their homes and belongings,” said Rena Snyder, a casework supervisor with the Valley Storefront, which is run by the Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles.

“The idea is to go into their homes and help them protect themselves in the next one,” she added.

Under the new Earthquake Survival Project, the Valley Storefront will send out volunteers to visit the homes of seniors and give suggestions about needed supplies.

Volunteers also will help them determine the safest places in their residence during a quake.

“They look around the home and see what can be done for protection--for instance, if a mirror is over the bed, or other things that should be moved to a safer area,” Snyder said.

At the end of the visit, the volunteers will give the seniors an earthquake preparedness kit, which includes items such as a flashlight, water and a first aid kit.

Snyder said it is hoped that the visits will alleviate some of the anxiety seniors have felt since the Jan. 17 Northridge earthquake.

The program is open to people 60 and older who live in the San Fernando Valley.

To schedule a visit, call Phyllis Waxman at the Valley Storefront in North Hollywood at (818) 984-1380.