Preparing Together


A partnership to prepare seniors 
and individuals with functional and 
access needs



Concepts


Woman peering out of the hatchback of a car flooded up to the tires

Why Preparing Together?


Assistance for at–risk 
populations

Trained volunteers to assist

Connection with emergency 
management


Elderly woman, weary and resting

Why Preparing Together?


Source: CDC, NCHS, Health United States, 2007, table 58
Percentage of Persons With Any Activity Limitation


Age in Years

Implementation


Partnerships:

•Religious communities 
•Civic groups 
•Community groups
•Faith-based agencies



Volunteer assisting a woman in a wheelchair in a shelter

Implementation


Training:

•4 hour training session
•Training materials
•Training models



14018.jpg

What is the Role of the Volunteer?
•Readiness coach
•Family partner
•Advocate for evacuation
•Guide for “Sheltering in Place”



Volunteer assisting a woman in a wheelchair 

The Program Coordinator


Class trainer making a point with students
Photo courtesy of FEMA


Program Coordinator

•Volunteer coordination
•Participant list/database
•Meet with emergency 
management
•Coordinate available 
resources




Preparing Together Planning Tool
Preparing Together Cover, showing two women reviewing materials
•Focused
•Collaborative effort
•Seeking input




Preparing Together Planning Tool

Preparing Together Planning Tool



Preparing Together Planning Tool

Preparing Together Planning Tool



Partnerships
Partnering and 
Delivery


Oneagencycannotpossiblydoitalone!


Volunteers assisting a woman in a wheelchair leaving a transport plane

Questions
Woman timidly raising her hand to ask a quiestion.

Contact Information
•Program Developer:


–michael.orfitelli@use.salvationarmy.org




–Website: www.preparingtogether.org


•Contributors:
–Debra Fulmer, DHS-Office for Civil Rights and Civil 
Liberties 
–Leslie Vattimo, The Salvation Army 
–Orlando Haddock, The Salvation Army
–The Salvation Army Translation Bureau