Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season?

June welcomes the start of the summer season. It also marks the beginning of hurricane season for those living near the Atlantic Ocean. If you’ve lived in the area for some time, you know that hurricane season means you can expect a host of dangerous and considerable weather. From torrential downpours to whipping winds, and from floods to power outages, hurricanes and tropical storms can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. While most of these devastating storms peak between August and October, hurricanes and tropical storms can arrive as early as June 1st. It’s important to take time during the first weeks of June to prepare for hurricane season, especially if you are a senior living alone. Before finalizing summer vacation plans, take time to finalize your hurricane plan with your aging loved one, using the following tips.

Stock Up on Essentials

Eliminate unnecessary stress as a tropical storm or hurricane approaches your area by stocking up on essential items before grocery stores run out of stock. Stock your own pantry with non-perishable food, such as canned soup, canned vegetables and fruit, granola bars, protein bars, cereal, and/or crackers. The general guideline is to plan for two weeks of food if staying put at home and three to five days’ worth of food if you need to evacuate. Other items to keep in stock are water, at least one gallon per person per day, and basic hygiene items, such as toilet paper, paper towels, dry shampoo, wet wipes, and lotions. Finally, check your first aid kit and replenish items such as band aids, first aid ointments, and gauze.

Prepare for Power Outages

Hurricanes and tropical storms can quickly knock out electricity. It can take days or weeks for the power company to restore electricity, depending on the damage of the storm. Have a plan in place should your power be disrupted by the storm. Consider purchasing a back-up generator, especially if your aging loved one relies on electricity for medical reasons (oxygen, chair lifts, hospital bed, etc.). If you have a generator, now is the time to check to see if it’s working and to make a maintenance call if it needs service. In addition to a generator, be sure your aging loved one is well stocked with flashlights and batteries. Place flashlights in easy-to-reach locations throughout their home, including the bathroom, so if the power goes out during the night, they’re not without light. Does your loved one use an electric can opener? If so, make sure they have a handheld opener too. Purchase a few portable cell phone chargers so that your loved one can charge their phone without needing to rely on electricity. You can even consider purchasing a one-time use burner cell phone that’s meant only for emergencies. Finally, make sure your loved one has a portable radio available so that they can listen to important updates about the storm and mandatory evacuation notices.

Secure the Property

Before a hurricane arrives, secure your loved one’s property. While you don’t need to board up their windows for the entire length of the hurricane season, there are ways to secure your loved one’s home in case of a severe storm. Anchor furniture to walls. Check that shelves, mirrors, and other pictures are securely fastened to the walls. If a storm approaches, make sure that there are no loose items on your loved one’s property, such as furniture, bird feeders, wind chimes, or planters. Have material ready should you need to board windows, including nail and hammers. Replace damaged boards from previous storms if needed.

Gather Important Information

It’s important to keep copies of vital documents nearby in case of home or property damage, or a medical emergency. Prepare copies of vital homeownership documents, including insurance policies, insurance cards, a list of prescriptions, and your loved one’s medical history. Place these documents in a laminated bag and place in your loved one’s evacuation bag. Other important documents that your loved one should have easy access to include their birth certificate, passport, government issued I.D. card, and social security card. Keep these items in a safe location, where they won’t be forgotten in the event of an evacuation.

Pack an Evacuation Bag

Finally, plan for the worst-case scenario by packing an evacuation bag. Include at least one set of clothes for travel, a pair of shoes, towels, blankets, and a pillow. Pack a travel sized toiletry bag, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit. Throughout hurricane season, make sure that your loved one’s prescriptions are up-to-date and refilled if low; ensuring that your loved one has a two-week supply ready to go. Don’t forget a flashlight, portable cell phone charger, and that laminated bag of important documents. In the event of an evacuation, verify that your loved one knows what to do, where to go, and how to get a hold of you. If they have pets, plan for them as well.

Does your aging loved one need help preparing for hurricane season? Visiting Angels Punta Gorda is here to help. Our compassionate caregivers can help your loved one stock up on essentials, pack an evacuation bag, and feel empowered to face the hurricane. We are also available to assist beyond hurricane preparedness and offer a variety of senior in-home care services. Whether your loved one needs assistance during the day while you are at work, or if they need around the clock care, we can provide you with professional caregivers for the care that your loved one requires. Getting started with us is easy. Simply contact us today by calling 941-347-8288 Punta Gorda or 239-226-1620 Cape Coral so that we can learn more about your situation.