Senior Helpers of South NJ to Recognize September as “National Preparedness Month,” Creates Severe Weather Checklist for Burlington Camden, Atlantic, Gloucester Residents

Manchester, NJ, September 19, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Senior Health and Wellness expert Peter Mangiola, RN, MSN, Director of Nursing for Senior Helpers of Southern New Jersey, announced that it has drafted an Early Response Severe Weather Checklist for all of its live-in care for seniors clients living in Burlington, Camden, Atlantic, Gloucester and Ocean Counties of New Jersey.

In severe and extreme weather events, the elderly, especially seniors suffering with Alzheimer’s and dementia, are especially vulnerable. It is important that seniors specifically are extremely prepared for such events, as the National Weather Service reports that over 500 fatalities occurred as a result of severe weather conditions.

“New Jersey, especially southern New Jersey, unfortunately has proven to be very susceptible to severe weather events, and now even non-weather emergencies. With this in mind, we at Senior Helpers of Southern New Jersey are making a resource available to all of our clients, their families and to all residents of Burlington, Camden, Atlantic, Gloucester and Ocean Counties of New Jersey,” stated Peter Mangiola, Director of Nursing for Senior Helpers of Southern New Jersey.

Mr. Mangiola is appearing as a featured guest on the live weekly call-in radio broadcast “Keeping Financially Fit with Kathy A. Nolan” on WOBM 1160 & 1310AM this Friday, September 20th, at 10 a.m. For those calling in to the show, he will provide the free New Jersey Severe Weather Checklist. The station’s call-in number: 848-221-8092.

What To Have
Seniors should keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for service animals and any other items you might need. Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you require. Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration. Make arrangements for any assistance to get to a shelter.

If you are required to undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services including home health care or treatment, contact your service provider about emergency protocols.

This is especially important if you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity to operate.

A Quick Emergency Evacuation List

- Maps
- Batteries/ Chargers
- Cash
- Legal (wills, deeds, trusts)
- Insurance documents
- Physicians
- Attorney
- Emergency family
- Pharmacy
- Banking info
- Phone numbers
- Local maps
- Underwear for 3 days
- Photo albums
- Flashlight
- Extra eyeglasses
- Bible
- Medical info (incl: names, addresses)

Request that your doctor prescribe regular medications to be kept on-hand for emergency situations like power outages and weather events.

About Peter Mangiola, RN, MSN
Peter Mangiola speaks and consults on a regular basis to senior citizen facilities, group homes and church groups. He strives to serve seniors by informing them and their families about resources, and mistakes to avoid when the elderly become limited in their choices by either health or cognitive issues.

Peter Mangiola, a registered nurse, received his degree from The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in 1980, and since has served in Emergency, Recovery, Cardiac Care, and Electrophysiology departments, including three years as an Oncology Director and eight years as Charge Nurse for a cardiovascular nursing unit.

Mr. Mangiola worked with several major hospitals as a traveling Registered Nurse, including:
- Temple University Hospital
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- The Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania

If you are a director or board member of a senior citizen organization or church or synagogue, and would like to have Peter Mangiola come to speak to your group for an hour or so for the purpose of educating your members or residents on topics of senior wellness and health, please contact Anthony DiMaio at 917-449-1177.

Senior Helpers: Licensed and Bonded
Senior Helpers connects professional caregivers with senior who wish to live at home as opposed to a nursing or assisted living facility. The company has 300 franchises in 39 states and one in Canada offering a wide range of personal and companion care services to assist seniors living independently with a strong focus on quality of life for the client and peace of mind for their families. Senior Helpers strives to be the leading companion and personal care provider that offers dependable, consistent and affordable home care. All of Senior Helpers’ care givers are life-givers, that are passionate about being available and knowledgeable in creating and maintaining a healthy environment.