Senior Hurricane Prep

We’re officially in the middle of hurricane season, which means now is the time to prepare if you haven’t already. Unfortunately, that becomes harder with older family members who need more attention since they are more vulnerable during a storm. However, if you prepare ahead of time, your family’s needs can be taken care of by keeping the following tips in mind.

Register at the Nearest Special-Needs Shelter

Seniors should never be left alone during a hurricane. If your loved one needs medical monitoring, it’s best to register at a special-needs shelter beforehand. Register him or her by calling your local county’s emergency management office or visiting their website.

Make Arrangements and Communicate with Your Shelter

Once registered at a special-needs shelter, make arrangements by providing the shelter with at least a two-week supply of your loved one’s medications and equipment. Learn the shelter’s disaster plans and their expectations from you. In the event of a medical emergency, plan how you’ll communicate with your shelter as well. Discuss with the nurses, doctors, and your loved one to create an action plan ahead of time. Finally, coordinate who will check on your family member after the storm.

Create an Elderly Prep Kit

Senior disaster kits are more complex especially when staying in a special-needs shelter. In addition to regular hurricane prep items such as water and nonperishable foods, make sure they have the following:

• Medical insurance and Medicaid/Medicare cards
• Prescription medicines and copies of prescriptions
• Copies of important documents such as birth/marriage certificates, Social Security Cards, passports, wills, and immunization records (in a waterproof container)
• Vitamin supplements if taken
• Emergency contact list
• Spare eyeglasses, catheters, batteries, and oxygen systems
• Special dietary foods if needed
• Extra clothes and blankets for comfort

Have Access to Weather Alerts

Give your loved one access to weather alerts so he or she stays informed when away from home. If text alerts aren’t an option, you can provide a battery-powered NOAA weather radio. The NOAA is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office.

Be Prepared This Hurricane Season

All our residents at Encore at Avalon park will be well taken care of during any severe weather event. Our caring staff will make sure that everyone is fully equipped to weather the storm in safety. If your loved one needs assisted living or memory care, we would be delighted to answer any questions you have and give you a tour of our community. To learn more, please call 407-270-7500.