The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that this year‘s hurricane season in the Atlantic will be busier than normal, anticipating 13-20 named storms. The perfect time to start getting ready is now, and a good first step is to make sure you have enough of your important medicines. You might not be able to get your prescriptions filled for a while if a big storm hits. Make sure you have a good supply of all the medicines you need and don’t wait until the last minute to get refills. Also, make sure you have plenty of over-the-counter medicines and first–aid supplies.
Everyone, including older people, needs to think about having enough water and food. It’s a good idea to have a three-day supply of food that doesn’t spoil for each person in your house. Health experts say that each person should drink at least one gallon of water every day.
Don’t forget about your pets – Many older adults have dogs and cats that are very important to them. Getting ready for hurricanes is a key part of being prepared for any disaster. Older people should have a plan for going to a storm shelter if they need to. Do you know which shelters allow pets? Make sure you have leashes or carriers ready to go for moving your pets, along with a portable bed or toys, and supplies like food, water, and bowls. If you have to leave your pets at home during a storm, is there someone who can check on them while you‘re at the shelter?
Think about how you‘ll communicate – Make sure you have a way to charge your cell phone if the power goes out. Your smart phone might be the only way you can get information and stay in touch with people when the power is out for a long time.
Plan how to evacuate – If you live in an area that’s at high risk, local officials might tell you to leave. If this happens, it‘s best to take it seriously and leave. If you can‘t drive, make sure you have other ways to get around, even if it’s just for a short distance. If someone has a disability, needs a walker or cane, or requires extra help, plan for that when you’re figuring out how to evacuate.
If you live in a 55+ community in Florida, the management should have emergency plans that include information about shelters, how to evacuate, and what to do to protect your home. It’s a good idea to have a network of friends and family you trust to help you prepare for a crisis. Work with the people you live with to make sure you can communicate well during a storm or disaster.
Older adults who live in their own homes can do things now to be more prepared. Look at your yard, trees, and roof. If you see anything that worries you, it‘s a good idea to take care of it now. Cutting back trees can help protect your property and keep the trees from getting damaged in strong winds. It‘s also a good idea to fix any damage to your roof before a storm comes.
