If you live in Florida, preparing for hurricane season is part of life. We all know how much damage hurricanes can cause. We know that our seniors may be more vulnerable.
We want you to be safe and protected. For that, you’ll need a plan. The Florida hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Here are five key steps every senior should take to prepare for hurricane season:
1. Create Your Hurricane Emergency Plan
Seniors and those with special needs or medical conditions need a thoughtful, personal plan. If you need to evacuate, we want you to go to a place where you can be comfortable, cared for, and safe.
Start by finding a shelter nearby that fits your needs, including any mobility challenges and whether or not you have a pet. You may be traveling with a loved one who has cognitive challenges. Make sure that the shelter can accommodate you.
Then, map your route. You’ll need a backup plan if usual modes of transportation are out of service.
2. Prepare Emergency Medications & Health Supplies
It’s hard to think clearly during an evacuation or emergency. Prepare a go bag with an emergency set of medication (typically, a week’s worth). Add in extra batteries for medical equipment and hearing aids. Many seniors will need to plan around mobility: walkers or canes, scooters or wheelchairs.
3. Pack Critical Documents
Create a folder or a small container that you can grab in case of an emergency. It’s best if it’s waterproof. Print out or make a copy of the information you might need, including:
- Your driver’s license or ID card, passport, or birth certificate
- Contact information of friends, family, and neighbors
- Essential medical information: a list of prescriptions, medical conditions, and the contact information of your caregivers or doctors
During a hurricane, phone service might not be available, or your phone battery may run out. Medical ID bracelets or cards are helpful for all, seniors included.
4. Communicate & Ask For Help
Now is the time to talk to your loved ones and neighbors and to ask for help. Decide who you’ll check in with and who will check in with you. Make sure that there are at least two people involved, especially if they’re local. Weather affects all of us, and systems break down in an emergency. Be sure to double up on communications and support.
5. Stay Informed About Hurricanes
Government agencies in Florida do a great job of keeping us informed during hurricane season and in emergencies. The Florida Department of Health Hurricane Readiness website, NOAA, and FEMA’s Hurricane Preparation for Seniors are all good resources.
A personal emergency plan for hurricane season helps keep us all safe and saves lives. If your in-home care is provided by us at Atlantic In-Home Care, we’ve already talked to you to make sure that you have an emergency plan for hurricane season.
If you or a loved one is a client of ours and wants to discuss your emergency plan, please contact us at (772) 773-6994. If you are interested in in-home care and want to learn more, call us at (772) 773-6994 or contact us through the Atlantic In-Home Care website.
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