Get Ready: Hurricane Preparedness
Who recalls Ella Fitzgerald singing “Summertime and the livin’ is easy?” Gershwin certainly captured the allure of the season, but I doubt he ever lived in Florida in June, July or August! For you and your loved one, these months of heat, humidity — and hurricanes! — present potential risks to living the good life for a good long time. But as your mother always said, “An ounce of prevention…”
Take a few moments now to know the risks, take steps to protect yourself, and then go ahead and enjoy the summertime!
As everyone should know, June 1st is the start of the Atlantic Hurricane season. And you need to be prepared, in case a storm comes our way. If you are at all skeptical of the need for preparation just ask anyone who has lived through the hurricanes that have battered Florida in recent years.
Medical Needs and Treatments
If a storm comes, make sure you ensure that your loved one’s medical needs are met and treatment is not disrupted:
Be sure you have ample supply of medical equipment and supplies such as oxygen, nebulizer supplies, colostomy or incontinence supplies and dressings.
Make sure you have your own medical “first aid” kit, as well as no-wash hand sanitizer/cleanser.
Be sure you and your loved one are current in your immunizations, including pneumococcal and tetanus. If you are unsure of you or your loved one’s status, contact your personal physician.
Keep ample supplies of medications at all times. In an emergency it may be difficult to refill your prescriptions. Discuss with your physicians the possibility of getting an extra paper prescription, so if you are out of your local area, and phones and internet are not working, you can still get necessary medications.
Make plans for any special care for your loved one’s medication (for example, if their insulin needs to be kept in a cool container).
Carry information regarding your loved one’s medical conditions and current treatments with you.
Evacuation and Transportation
Learn about your community’s emergency plans and plan your escape route. If you can safely stay out of the area with family or friends, do so.
Know the location of the nearest evacuation shelter that can accommodate your needs in terms of medical health, safety, and any pets you or your loved one may have.
Be sure your automobile is in good working condition and up to date on maintenance, and during the summer months try to refill your gas tank frequently, to keep it as full as possible.
Register with your local county’s Office of Emergency Management.
In case you have to evacuate your home quickly, be prepared by keeping the following tips in mind:
Identify exactly what medical and comfort supplies you will need, and figure out how you will move the supplies to your evacuation location.
Consider getting air cushions that will fit the beds at the facility, or purchase an air mattress with a frame.
You may be sitting down for extended periods of time, so consider bringing a chair pad that will minimize pressure to your skin and provide additional comfort. Be sure to pack adequate sheets, blankets and small pillows.
Obtain and bring safety items such as flash-lights or strip lights, battery operated radio and clock, cellular phone, sturdy comfortable footwear to prevent falls.
Bring personal hygiene items and comfortable clothing for at least three days. Also bring water and towels for bathing.
Bring insurance policy information such as your insurance for your home and automobile; a list of emergency contacts such as family members, friends, and doctors; and legal documents such as deeds, Durable Power of Attorney, Living Will, and Health Care Surrogate.
Share your disaster plans with a relative or friend outside the area. Call them after the disaster and let them know that you are all right and where you will stay if your home is damaged. You may want this person to be designated for other family members to contact that may be in the area as well.
Notify the power company if you are dependent on electricity for medical equipment (such as oxygen concentration) to be sure power is available on your return to your home.
Your Disaster Checklist
It is critical for seniors to have a plan for when disaster strikes. Here’s a checklist to follow:
Assemble a disaster supplies kit.
Arrange for someone to check on you.
Plan and practice the best escape routes from your home.
Plan for transportation if you need to evacuate to a shelter.
Find the safe places to shelter in your home for different kinds of emergencies.
Have a plan to be able to send a signal that you need help.
Place a list of post-emergency phone numbers near your phone.
If you have home health care service, plan ahead with your agency for emergency procedures.
Teach those who may need to assist you in an emergency how to operate necessary equipment. Be sure they will be able to reach you.
