VISITING ANGELS SARASOTA, FL 941-952-5800
Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn

Preparing for a Hurricane: Are You Ready?

June not only welcomes the summer season, but also marks the beginning of hurricane season. From torrential downpours to destructive winds, hurricanes and tropical storms can cause a lot of damage in a little amount of time. It’s difficult to predict just how damaging and dangerous a hurricane or tropical storm will be, especially as the path of the storm is often unpredictable and can change at a moment’s notice. It’s also difficult to predict how long it will take for life to get back to normal after a hurricane passes, due to excessive flooding because of the storm.

While most devastating tropical storms or hurricanes peak between August and October, these storms can arrive as early as the first of June. It’s critical that Floridian residents take time during the first few weeks of June to prepare for the hurricane season, especially if you’re a senior. Don’t let the COVID-19 crisis distract you from preparing for the hurricane season. Here are a few tips to ensure you are ready for a potential hurricane.

Take Stock of Your Pantry

Now is the time to take inventory of your pantry and to stock up on essential items in case of a hurricane. Purchase plenty of non-perishable foods, such as canned soups, canned vegetables and fruits, protein bars, cereal, peanut butter and crackers. You want a two-week supply if your plan is to stay home during the hurricane, or a three-five day supply if you need to evacuate. Also stock up on water—at least one gallon per person, per day. While you’re taking inventory of your pantry, also look at other essential items, such as toilet paper, paper towels, dry shampoo, wet wipes, and lotions. Replenish first aid kits, ensuring you have band aids, gauze, first aid ointments, and over-the-counter medicines you routinely take. If you have pets, remember to stock up on essential items for them, such as food and litter supplies.

Protect Your Property

Next, you want to take time to protect your property. Prepare your home for a potential hurricane by anchoring furniture to walls and ensuring that other items, such as picture frames or mirrors, are securely fastened. Have a plan and place to remove all outdoor furniture and other loose items, such as flowerpots, wind chimes, or bird feeders, should a storm approach. Examine material you have in case you need to board windows and purchase replacement material if needed, including nails and hammers.

Consider Your Plans for a Power Outage

Next, take time to consider your plans should a power outage occur. Hurricanes and tropical storms can quickly knock out electricity, leaving you without power for days or weeks. What can you do now to prepare for such an emergency? Do you need to purchase a back-up generator or have your generator serviced? Locate flashlights and ensure you have plenty of batteries. Place flashlights in convenient places throughout your home, such as bedside tables, and don’t forget to leave one in the bathroom. Keep a portable radio available so that you have a way to listen to important storm updates and potential evacuation notices. Consider purchasing a one-time burner cell phone so you can contact family if your cell phone runs out of power and you’re unable to charge it.

Organize Important Documents

In addition to stocking the pantry, protecting your property, and preparing for a power outage, you also need to locate and organize important documents. Strong winds and torrential downpours can damage your home or property and you’ll need specific documents to file a claim. Make copies of homeownership documents, including insurance policies, and place in a protected document folder. Ensure you have easy access to passports, your identification card, social security card, birth certificate, and insurance cards. Make a list of medications, subscription and non-subscription, as well as chronic health conditions or important medical health history, in case of a medical emergency. Include this information in your protected document folder so that you have it should you need it.

Create an Evacuation Plan  

Finally, it’s important to create an evacuation plan, should you need it. Think about where you would go should you need to evacuate and how long it will take to reach your destination. Do you have adult children nearby who can pick you up or would you rely on your community’s evacuation shelter plan? What items would you need should you need to evacuate and how quickly can you gather them together? If you have a spare bag, it’s a great idea to pack an evacuation bag. Include at least one set of clothes, a pair of shoes, towels, blankets, and a pillow. Pack a travel-sized toiletry bag, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Throughout hurricane season, make sure your prescriptions are current and refilled if low. Remember to pack your protected document folder that contains your important documents. If you have pets, think through a plan for them as well.

As we enter hurricane season, do you need assistance with your preparations? Visiting Angels Sarasota is here to help. We can refer you to compassionate caregivers who can help you stock up on essentials, ensure your property is protected, assist you with packing an evacuation plan, and help you feel empowered to face hurricane season. We are also available to help seniors beyond hurricane preparedness so that they can stay safe and independent in the comfort of their own homes. Getting started is easy. Simply contact us today by calling 941-952-5800.

 

Serving Sarasota, Siesta Key, St Armand's Key & the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels SARASOTA, FL
965 University Pkwy #101
Sarasota, FL 34234
Phone: 941-952-5800
NR30211676

Serving Sarasota, Siesta Key, St Armand's Key & the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels SARASOTA, FL
965 University Pkwy #101
Sarasota, FL 34234
Phone: 941-952-5800
NR30211676
Providing home care referrals throughout Sarasota County. Let us help you by referring professional senior caregivers for your needs, including:



"I work out of the  country  on  a regular  basis  and I needed special  care  for  my dad  who  suffers  from  Dementia .I contacted  Visiting  Angels  and spoke with Josephine . I was blown away with the  care my Dad received from Josephine and her team. Every time I called either Josephine or JerryMarie were there to answer all my questions. I would highly recommend Josephine to anybody looking for care for their loved ones.She is the most caring person I ever came across."

– Owen M. (More reviews here)

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐