Pelatihan Kesiapsiagaan Lansia Menghadapi Bencana Angin Puting Beliung: Program Kemitraan Masyarakat di Desa Bintang Mersada, Sumatera Utara - Hutagalung, Perak Maruli Asi Roha; Berutu, Heriaty; Lingga, Rugun Togianur (Jurnal Kreativitas Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat (PKM), 2025)
ABSTRAK Indonesia merupakan salah satu negara paling rawan bencana di dunia, dan kelompok lanjut usia (lansia) termasuk populasi paling rentan. Kabupaten Dairi di Sumatera Utara mengalami kejadian angin puting beliung berulang, namun pengetahuan dan kesiapsiagaan lansia masih rendah. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengevaluasi efektivitas edukasi dan pelatihan kesiapsiagaan dalam meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan lansia menghadapi bencana angin puting beliung. Desain kuasi-eksperimen dengan pendekatan pre–post test dilakukan pada 50 peserta lansia berusia 48–81 tahun. Intervensi berupa edukasi melalui ceramah, diskusi, dan tanya jawab serta simulasi kesiapsiagaan bencana. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan kuesioner terstruktur sebelum dan sesudah intervensi, kemudian dianalisis secara deskriptif dan komparatif. Sebelum intervensi, 72% peserta tidak mengetahui bahaya angin puting beliung dan 50% tidak tahu tindakan yang harus dilakukan saat bencana. Setelah intervensi, 90% peserta memiliki pengetahuan baik tentang angin puting beliung, dan 58% mampu menjelaskan langkah kesiapsiagaan yang tepat, termasuk menutup pintu/jendela, mematikan listrik dan gas, menyiapkan tas siaga, serta berlindung di tempat aman. Edukasi dan simulasi secara signifikan meningkatkan pengetahuan dan kesiapsiagaan lansia. Pendekatan berbasis komunitas efektif untuk meningkatkan resiliensi kelompok rentan di daerah rawan bencana. Pelatihan berkesinambungan dan integrasi dengan program desa sangat direkomendasikan. Kata Kunci: Kesiapsiagaan Bencana, Lansia, Angin Puting Beliung, Pengabdian Masyarakat, Indonesia.  ABSTRACT Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, and older adults are among the most vulnerable populations. Dairi Regency in North Sumatra experiences repeated tornadoes, yet their knowledge and preparedness remain low. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of preparedness education and training in improving the knowledge and skills of older adults in dealing with tornadoes. A quasi-experimental design with a pre-posttest approach was conducted with 50 elderly participants aged 48–81 years. The intervention included education through lectures, discussions, and question-and-answer sessions, as well as disaster preparedness simulations. Data were collected using structured questionnaires before and after the intervention and then analyzed descriptively and comparatively. Before the intervention, 72% of participants were unaware of the dangers of tornadoes, and 50% did not know what to do in the event of a disaster. After the intervention, 90% of participants had good knowledge about tornadoes, and 58% were able to explain appropriate preparedness steps, including closing doors/windows, turning off electricity and gas, preparing an emergency bag, and taking shelter in a safe place. Education and simulations significantly improve the knowledge and preparedness of older adults. Community-based approaches are effective in increasing the resilience of vulnerable groups in disaster-prone areas. Continuous training and integration with village programs are highly recommended. Keywords: Disaster Preparedness, Elderly, Tornado, Community Services, Indonesia.