The Florida hurricane season is already here. It’s critical to have a personal emergency plan for you and your loved ones to keep everyone safe.
It’s particularly important if you or a loved one is recovering from surgery or an illness, or has limited mobility. We’re often asked by family members to make sure that an aging loved one stays safe, comfortable, and cared for during hurricane season.
If you receive in-home care through us at Atlantic In-Home Care, as part of our hurricane preparedness efforts, we have begun contacting all clients to review emergency plans and ensure everyone is prepared for hurricane season. If you have not yet heard from us, a member of our team will be reaching out to you shortly.
Here’s how to prepare seniors for hurricane season:
1. Establish an emergency contact list.
Don’t rely on your phone or the internet, all of which may fail during an emergency. Create your emergency contact list on a piece of paper, and post it where it’s easy to find (on the fridge, perhaps?) Include names and contact information for family members, your doctors, the pharmacy, and emergency services.
2. Stock up on critical prescriptions, medications, and medical supplies.
Prepare well in advance so you’re not stuck in line or caught unprepared as a storm approaches. Pharmacies may close, deliveries may be delayed, and stores may run out of essentials in the days before a hurricane arrives. A good rule of thumb is to have enough medication and supplies to last you through the storm and for several days afterward.
3. Expect power outages.
Florida hurricanes often mean extended power outages. If you depend on refrigerated medications, oxygen, a CPAP machine, or a scooter or wheelchair, you’ll need batteries, portable chargers, or a backup power source. We want you to stay safe and healthy. Don’t forget a couple of working flashlights and to keep any rechargeable wall lights fully charged.
4. Create your evacuation plan.
Don’t wait until the last minute to decide where you will go when a storm hits. Map out where to go, how you’ll get there, and who will help. If you or your loved one walks more slowly or might need help, plan for the extra time you’ll need now, and think through the route you’ll take to avoid stairs and stormwater.
5. Assemble your emergency kit.
As we age, we need different things in an emergency. In addition to clean water and shelf-stable food, pack spare medications, glasses, and batteries for hearing aids. Add in practical clothes and shoes as well as essential documents (or a note to pack your wallet with your emergency contact information, driver’s license or ID, and credit cards).
6. Schedule more frequent check-ins.
The goal is always to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, healthy, and comfortable. Seniors who live alone will need some extra support during hurricane season, not only during storms, but before and after. Consider a schedule of checking in with family members and neighbors. If you’re a client of Atlantic In-Home Care, you know that our trusted care providers will be there for you.
7. Prepare your home.
Now that you’ve restocked your emergency kit and planned your emergency contacts, it’s time to protect your home. Here’s a good hurricane preparedness checklist of what to check outside, from windows and doors to your car.
8. Stay informed.
Florida government agencies work hard to keep us informed during hurricane season. The Florida Department of Health Emergency Preparedness website, NOAA, and FEMA’s Hurricane Preparation for Seniors are all good resources.
We care about health and safety. If you or a loved one is a client of Atlantic In-Home Care and you want to talk through your emergency plan, please contact us at (772) 773-6994. We answer our phones 24/7. If you are interested in in-home care and want to learn more, call us at (772) 773-6994.
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