Oakland County encourages neighbors to check on elderly and vulnerable after flooding

Aug. 14, 2014, Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson urges residents to check on vulnerable family members and neighbors in the aftermath of Monday night’s storms. Vulnerable individuals include seniors and those living with a disability or chronic illness.

“We have received reports from some of our impacted communities letting us know they are getting calls from elderly residents looking for assistance. They are in need of help in removing items from their basements. This an excellent opportunity to come together as a community, led by neighbors and family members, to assist the vulnerable,” Patterson said.

Oakland County Health Division recommends that vulnerable members of the community who are unable to get help from a family member or neighbor call local churches or other nearby community-based organizations to see whether they can offer assistance. Local city and township offices may also be able to refer their residents to specific organizations within their communities.

Meanwhile, impacted Oakland County residents may call Health Division’s Nurse on Call number for questions and concerns in the aftermath of the flooding. The Nurse on Call number is 800-848-3355. Find more information by visiting www.oakgov.com/health or on Facebook and Twitter @publichealthOC.

This is a news release from the Oakland County Health Department and reformatted by AgeWays to provide information to website visitors.  If the media would like additional information, please contact Kathleen Frozely, RS, MPA, Manager Health Officer for Oakland County Health Department.