Get Ready for Hurricane Season!
Dear Caregivers,
We’re only weeks away from the official kickoff of hurricane season here in Florida, which runs from June 1st through November 30th. This year there is a forecast for an El Nino weather system, which typically means a reduced risk of our state having major storms.
Still, that doesn’t mean that you and your loved one shouldn’t get ready. As the Essential Guide to Hurricane Preparedness from StateofFlorida.com puts it, “knowing the essentials of how to prepare could truly be a life saver.”
Being prepared is a critical part of being a caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, even if a hurricane doesn’t materialize this year. That’s because when you feel prepared for something, you are naturally calmer and able to respond thoughtfully, and with confidence. And that is a big stress reducer.
Most importantly, don’t get complacent by the fact a summer with an El Nino system typically produces fewer storms, on average. After all, it was during an El Nino 25 years ago that Hurricane Andrew made landfall, and that storm was one of the most destructive hurricanes in history.
Here are some resources for staying safe in the hurricane season:
Get Ready with Hurricane Preparedness:
The months of June, July and August mean months of heat, humidity—and hurricanes!—and present potential risks. But as your mother always said, “An ounce of prevention…” Here’s how to get ready.
Florida Department of Elder Affair's Disaster Resource Guide for Older Adults:
It is important for all individuals to have their own emergency preparedness plan that fits their specific needs. Our 11 Area Agencies on Aging are dedicated to supporting seniors in their areas, including providing resources and transportation services during an evacuation. Here's a guide.
Florida Division of Emergency Management Shelters:
Any emergency plan should include a list of area and regional shelters and directions on how to get there. By choosing several destinations in different directions, you will have options should the emergency situation encompass a large geographical area. Here's a guide.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“I had to learn very quickly that I am not capable of controlling the weather, and to respect the fury of nature."
— Paulo Coelho
