According to research, nearly 16.1 Million seniors go to emergencies due to fall-related injuries in the winter season.
Tips To Prepare Seniors For Hurricane
Supporting seniors with disaster preparedness is a priority if you are taking care of seniors. However, all disasters do not require the same level of care.
But before you begin preparing seniors for the hurricane season, it is crucial to discuss the same with your family and friends.
Consequently, let us learn about some tips to prepare seniors for hurricane season ahead and make them feel safe.
Hurricane Preparation for Seniors
Develop a contact list
Whether you live in the same town as seniors or a different one, developing a contact list is the first thing you need to do. This contact list can consist of nearby neighbors, friends, and other family members. Once done with this, make sure to feed the contacts in seniors’ smartphones and keep the list physically as well.
Collect medical information
Seniors are particularly susceptible to medication errors and this risk increases during disruptive events like hurricane evacuations or severe storm preparedness. To mitigate this risk, maintaining organized medical information is crucial for their safety.
A simple medication chart template can be an effective tool for organizing this information in a way that’s easily transportable in case of an evacuation. Additionally, for seniors with chronic conditions, disabilities, or allergies, medical alert jewelry can be invaluable.
It provides first responders with essential information on how to treat the individual, even if they are unable to communicate.
Secure seniors home
The next tip is to make a plan to secure seniors’ homes. For instance, you can keep trees trimmed or install storm shutters for hurricane preparation for seniors.
Prepare an evacuation kit
Preparing an emergency kit will keep seniors safe and healthy and will also protect them from Hurricane season. When preparing an emergency kit, make sure to include non-perishables, flashlights, and other essential things to survive a few days. You can also search online for the essential things to include in an emergency kit.
Help seniors plan refuge
In situations where seniors are advised to shelter in place during high winds, it’s important to help them plan for safety at home. The ideal location is a small room, closet, or hallway on the lowest floor of their home. The key is to create as many barriers as possible between them and the outside, which means staying away from windows and glass doors. This approach helps maximize safety by minimizing exposure to potential hazards from the wind.
Article Sources
Benton House. “Hurricane Prep for Seniors: 5 Ways to Support Your Loved One”. Benton House, July 18, 2022,