Bristol is Seeking a Few Good Volunteers

Bristol Elder Services manages the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program in the Greater Fall River area and is in need of a few dedicated volunteers.  A Long Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for residents living in long term care facilities.  Many residents in a nursing or rest home are alone and feel powerless.  Ombudsmen offer a way for residents and their loved ones to voice complaints and have their concerns addressed so that residents can live their lives with dignity and respect.
 
 Those who are interested in learning more about this opportunity should contact Ombudsmen Program Director, Margaret Pilkington, at 774-627-1326 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Ombudsmen are provided with an in-depth training and are asked to make a commitment to visit an assign facility weekly or biweekly for a minimum of one year.   

PREPAREDNESS IS KEY FOR HURRICANE SEASON
Threat of Hurricane Earl Reminds Families of Importance of Preparedness
 
FRAMINGHAM, MA – The potential threat of Hurricane Earl reinforces the importance that everyone take the proper preparedness steps.  Now is a good time to take to heart the three steps being reinforced by the President, as he proclaimed September as ‘National Preparedness Month’: Prepare a Kit, Have a Plan and Be Aware.
                                                            
“Every home and business should have a stocked basic emergency supply kit that could be used for any emergency, regardless of the time of year,” states MEMA Acting Director Kurt Schwartz. “Everyone should keep certain items around the house and workplace in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power” Each kit will be unique to each family, but should include a portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, a supply of non-perishable foods, along with bottled water, a first aid kit, extra prescription medication, and extra food and supplies for infants and pets.
 
“All families should develop a ‘Family Emergency Communication Plan’ with an ‘outside the area’ contact to help ensure everyone is safe. You should reach out to your local authorities to learn about your community’s potential evacuation routes and the location of possible emergency shelters,” said Schwartz. “It is always important to familiarize yourself with your Community’s Emergency Plans before an emergency situation occurs.”
 
Also, develop a Disaster Supply Kit ‘Go Bag’, with essentials in case you must evacuate quickly.
 
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional information about MEMA and National Preparedness Month, go to www.mass.gov/mema and www.Ready.Gov. Continue follow MEMA updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
400 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702-5399