Item 13: Draft Recommendation — original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260610-013: National Preparedness Month– September WHEREAS, the Austin Quality of Life Study for Older Adults found residents experienced consistent frustration with disaster planning and safety1; and WHEREAS, emergencies and disasters can have a disproportionate impact on older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and others with access or functional needs, particularly those who may face mobility, medical, transportation, communication, or social isolation challenges2, 3; and WHEREAS, preparedness planning, accessible communication, and community support systems are essential to protecting the health and safety of vulnerable residents during emergencies4; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin encourages residents to create emergency plans, maintain emergency supply kits, and stay informed about local emergency preparedness resources; and WHEREAS, National Preparedness Month5 highlights the importance of community resilience, neighbor support, and coordinated emergency planning to help ensure no resident is left behind during times of crisis. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to proclaim September 2026 as “National Preparedness Month” in Austin and encourages residents, caregivers, neighborhood groups, and community organizations to support emergency preparedness planning, accessible communication, and community resilience efforts that help protect older adults and individuals with access and functional needs during emergencies and disasters. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: 1 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study 2025-CAC-University of Indianapolis.pdf - Google Drive 2 Emergency Preparedness Concerns for Older Adults, CDC 3 The Impact of Disasters on Older Adults, AARP, 2022 4 Older Adults: Disaster Planning | SAMHSA 5 Designated by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Attest: _____________________________________________