An Older Adult's Guide to Hurricane Preparation and Safety

As regular as the tides, as welcome as a migraine 'Hurricane Season' is an inescapable reality of life in the Caribbean. While we all hope and pray to slip through the season without incident  we have to be prepared for the eventuality.

Now, hurricanes are hazardous and stressful events for all-ages, but for older adults the dangers and concerns are doubled and then some! As an older adult ,a little extra care and time must be taken to ensure safety and well being before, during and after the storm. So here's some handy advice to guide your preparations.

First and foremost:

Seek Help When Needed!

• Dealing with the physical, emotional and psychological stress that comes with an impending storm is not easy for anyone.

• Do not hesitate to reach out to, family, friends, neighbors, local senior services or community organizations for assistance. Many organizations offer resources and support specifically tailored to help seniors during emergencies.

• Consider joining a local support group for seniors to share experiences and resources. Engaging with others who have similar experiences can provide emotional support and practical advice on navigating challenges.

Prepare Your Home

• Check that your home insurance is up to date and covers hurricane damage. Review your policy to understand what is covered and consider purchasing additional coverage if necessary

• Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and neighbors if you need it

• Secure windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood. If you are unable to install shutters, consider using heavy-duty plastic sheeting to cover windows. Failing that, Duct or masking take placed in an X or Star  on windows.

• Clear your yard of any debris that could become projectiles in strong winds. Trim trees and shrubs, of possible and store patio furniture, garden tools, and other loose items indoors or in a garage. If you have outdoor pets such as dogs it is recommended that you bring them indoors  for the duration of the storm.

• If and when power goes, it is advised to turn your main breaker if the power will be gone for more than 8 hours. This will mitigate damaging surges and spikes and give you time to safely inspect the premises for water damage.

Create an Emergency Plan - Be prepared

• Have a plan ahead of time. Discuss it with your neighbors, friends, and family. Remember as humans our safety and well-being has always hinged on our ability to work together. For example you may consider evacuating and staying with family, friend, neighbors, or even someone within your Church Community if you live in an area that is prone to flash flooding, or isolation by landslides.

• Identify a safe location to evacuate to, such as a friend's or family member's home. It is crucial to choose a place that is not in a flood zone and has the necessary amenities to accommodate your needs during the storm. Keep in mind you may need to make special arrangements for pets.

• Once you've fleshed out an evacuation plan establish a communication plan with family and friends to keep them informed. Make sure to share your evacuation routes and destination, and agree on check-in times to ensure everyone is safe. Where necessary designate a caregiver or neighbor who can assist during emergencies. This person should be familiar with your medical needs and preferences and be willing to help you during the preparation and recovery phases.

• Know the evacuation routes and have a transportation plan in place. Familiarize yourself with local maps and identify multiple routes to your destination in case of road closures; travel with a companion if possible for assistance and support. Having someone with you can provide emotional comfort and practical help, especially if you have mobility challenges.

• Leave early to avoid traffic and ensure a safe arrival at your destination. Monitor traffic reports and plan to evacuate well before the storm is expected to hit to avoid last-minute chaos.

• Remember. When considering evacuation to do so BEFORE THE WEATHER WORSENS. Also when considering options for sheltering always consider ease of access to health care facilities (hospitals, clinics, etc).

Plan for Medical Needs

• Contact your pharmacy to refill prescriptions ahead of time and ask about emergency supplies. \It is also advised that you...

• Keep a list of medical conditions, allergies, and emergency contacts readily available. This list should be easily accessible, perhaps in your emergency kit or on your phone, to share with medical personnel if needed.

• Consider a backup power source for medical devices that require electricity. Investigate options such as portable generators or battery packs to ensure that essential medical equipment can function during power outages.

• Assemble an Emergency Kit. It is vital to ensure you have the supplies you need to carry you safely through storm.

• Rule of thumb is to make sure you have 1-2 weeks of critical supplies. Ready to eat food, Drinking water, , Prescription medication, A change of clothes, and some emergency first aid and medical supplies (painkillers, bandages, etc). Thankfully such kits can be purchased at most pharmacies.

• Include essential items such as medications, medical supplies, and personal documents. Make copies of important documents, including identification, insurance policies, and medical records, and store them in a waterproof container.

• Pack non-perishable food and water for at least three days. Choose foods that are easy to prepare and require little to no cooking, such as canned goods, granola bars, crackers, biscuits, etc. Don’t forget to include a manual can opener.

• Include a flashlight, batteries, and a first aid kit in your supplies. The first aid kit should contain items such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and any specific medical supplies you may need, such as a blood pressure monitor or glucose testing kit.  Yes I know we’ve w said it twice but it's that important.

Stay Connected

• Keep a charged cell phone and a portable charger in your emergency kit. Consider investing in a solar charger as an alternative power source if conventional power is unavailable. Power-banks are also quite handy as they can charge most phones multiple times. Of course always make sure you have credit to make calls.

• Where possible and for as long as you are able, utilize social media or messaging apps to stay in touch during the storm. These platforms can be useful for checking in and sharing updates, especially if traditional communication methods fail.

Stay Informed

• The best way to stay safe is to stay well informed. Monitor local news and weather reports for updates on the hurricane's path and intensity.

• Use a reliable weather app or website to track real-time changes in the storm's trajectory.

• Sign up for emergency alerts from local authorities. Many communities offer text or email alerts that provide timely information about evacuation orders and safety instruction and it goes without saying.

• Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio in your emergency kit. This will ensure you have access to important information even if the power goes out and your phone battery dies.

After the Storm.

• Just because the winds have quieted and the rain stopped doesn't mean you should stop being cautious. As tempting as it may be to dash back home if you evacuated or dash to check up on someone, wait for official clearance before returning home if evacuated. Authorities will provide guidance on when it is safe to return and which areas are still hazardous.

• Always be cautious of hazards such as downed power lines and flooded areas. Even after the storm has passed, dangers may still exist, so proceed with caution and stay informed about local conditions.

• Check in with family members and neighbors to ensure everyone is safe. A community approach can help in assessing the overall situation and providing mutual support in recovery efforts.

Conclusion

Preparation is key to ensuring safety during a hurricane. By following these comprehensive tips and creating a solid plan, seniors can significantly increase their chances of staying safe and secure during severe weather events. Taking proactive steps not only helps in personal safety but also contributes to the overall resilience of the community in facing natural disasters.Wishing you safe passage through this impending storm.

Stay Safe!

Your Wellness Team