When evacuation alerts sounded due to the rapidly spreading wildfire in Eaton Canyon, local residents fled their homes, seeking safe haven. Understandably, in the heat—literally—of the moment, many of life’s daily essentials were left behind, only to be sorely missed upon arriving at the nearest shelter. Visiting the Pasadena Convention Center underscored this reality.

As I observed volunteers going above and beyond to welcome people and help them feel comfortable and witnessed the tremendous outpouring of support and goodwill, I also learned an important lesson. We must be even better prepared to assist those in senior living facilities during evacuations to ensure that our most vulnerable community members receive all the necessary age-appropriate resources they need.

The fact is our Pasadena population includes a disproportionate number of older adults. It’s understandable. Our city is one of those places that’s easy to wrap your arms around. It’s small and friendly. People come here, settle down, and stay, which helps explain why close to 17% of our population of 133,560 comprises individuals aged 65 and older. Of these older adults, nearly 16% live below the poverty line. What’s more, some 47.8% live alone. The needs of this expanding demographic make it imperative to prepare for whatever catastrophes come our way.

What I’ve always loved about Pasadena is the strength of community, and now is our time to unite. The first step is acknowledging what is necessary to best meet the needs of those with mobility, dietary and other health concerns who may experience higher levels of anxiety and disorientation. The next step is to take action. The Pasadena Senior Center is prepared to lead the way. By combining resources and efforts with nearby nonprofits, we aim to create an action plan that addresses explicitly emergency preparedness needs and improves the care of older adults during significant events, such as natural disasters.

Back at the Convention Center, I saw individuals who had to evacuate so quickly that they left behind walkers and canes. There were others who had been hospital-bedridden now on cots, needing assistance to elevate themselves to eat and drink and at risk for pressure sores. Those with diabetes required sugar-free nourishment. Those with incontinence issues needed supplies. By partnering with local entities, such as the Convalescent Aid Society, I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to provide the necessary care and appropriate equipment needed.

For the past 65 years, the Pasadena Senior Center has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults and empowering them to thrive. We have adjusted our programs as times change, needs arise, and crises develop. Through service, education, volunteerism and community activism, we take pride in being recognized for providing more support and services to older adults in this community than any other organization in the San Gabriel Valley area.

We are no strangers to being on the frontlines of disasters. When the COVID-19 pandemic restricted people to their homes, we developed 30 online and Zoom programs to foster connections and maintain brain health and alertness. During the Eaton fire, we made 3,000 phone calls to check on our members’ well-being and ensured that our emergency food pantry was well-stocked to meet the increasing demands. In the aftermath of the fire, we continue our efforts to distribute water, food and incontinence supplies, make follow-up phone calls, assist with insurance forms, and do whatever else it takes to serve our community. While we may not have the power to turn back time and prevent inevitable disasters from occurring, we have gained the ability to learn from our experiences to enhance our preparedness for the future. I encourage our local nonprofits to join in a coalition focused on providing better services for older adults in our community.

Akila Gibbs is the executive director of the Pasadena Senior Center. Email AkilaG@pasadenaseniorcenter.org to jumpstart discussions and explore how we can work together to strengthen emergency readiness.