SENIOR LIVING
MICHELLE RAINER Director of Marketing & Sales The Delaney at South Shore
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS : Essential for Seniors
Naturally , a hurricane puts everyone in its path at risk — but some more than others . According to Aging . com , adults 75 and older made up 50 % of the deaths from Hurricane Katrina . That one statistic alone suggests it ’ s essential for older adults ( and people who care about them ) to have a plan for hurricane preparedness .
Most senior living communities have formal procedures and protocols in place for safety and effective communications . Following that lead may be helpful for seniors living alone , too . So , where to start ? Assemble a support team . Similar to senior living community residents , older adults in their own home need a network . Local family members , friends , neighbors and paid caregivers are all good choices — with a plan in place for outreach , checkins and consistent communication . Prepare an emergency kit . It ’ s always a good idea , but when you consider that the average senior takes four or more prescriptions daily , things get a little more complicated . Although not an exhaustive list , here are key items to consider including :
• Prescription medications and an extra pair of eyeglasses
• Drinking water ( 1 gallon per person per day for at least three days )
• Nutritional snack bars
• Weather radio and flashlight with extra batteries
• Cell phone with a charger
• First aid supplies Pack a “ go ” bag . Monitor weather reports to be prepared . With mandatory evacuations , minutes count . A rolling bag or duffle comes in handy — packed with prescription medications , eyeglasses , cell phone and charger . Then , add lightweight , waterproof clothing and personal toiletries for several days .
Next , jot down contact information for family members , neighbors and doctors . Make copies of
important documentation like insurance and Social Security cards , bank account information , home deed — whatever may be critical . Then seal all the paperwork in plastic bags to protect from water .
AARP also suggests including lightweight , nutrient-dense foods such as protein bars , nuts , seeds and bottled drinking water . And the American Red Cross recommends an emergency blanket , scissors , duct tape , work gloves , towels and matches to include in to-go supplies .
Finally , plan to have the quick-escape “ go ” bag ready in an accessible location , like the front-hall closet or garage . Plan a getaway . Have a vehicle in good shape and ready to take off , especially with possible traffic congestion , fuel shortages and limited public modes of transit . For seniors no longer driving , reliable transportation should be arranged in advance . Also have plans in mind to accommodate any beloved pets . Again , the support team can come to the rescue ! Also have a backup plan . For any older adult who decides to ride out the storm at home , notifying family members and essential agencies is important if evacuation suddenly becomes necessary . Relax . Preparedness makes a difference . Just about every senior living community in a hurricaneprone area will stress that advanced preparation can ’ t be overestimated . For seniors , the peace of mind that comes with being prepared is well worth the investment in energy , time and money to be ready .
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