September 9, 2020
Over the last few years, weather patterns have become more dangerous. Across the US, citizens have had to handle hurricanes, wildfires, and tornadoes with increasing regularity. Keeping elderly loved ones safe is always a top priority. We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips to improve seniors’ health and safety across the country during an emergency.
How To Prepare Before a Hurricane
Being headquartered in Florida, our team has seen its fair share of hurricanes. As soon as inclement weather is on the horizon, it pays to start preparing. Experts from the National Hurricane Survival Initiative suggest that it’s best to stock up on supplies as soon as possible.
Help seniors stock up on basics like the following before the storm comes:
- Bottled water
- Necessary medication and vitamins
- Non-perishable canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
- Stable items like salt, sugar, pepper, spices
- Flashlights with replacement batteries
- Protein bars
It’s also a great idea to stock up on any comfort foods your loved one enjoys. However, if the power goes out, they won’t have access to their refrigerator or microwave, so focus on getting mostly non-perishable, easy-to-make items first.
How to Prepare for Wildfires
Fires can happen quickly, so the best way to keep your older loved ones safe is to come up with a plan beforehand. Make sure you and seniors in your family are familiar with community evacuation plans and have several different routes in mind to evacuate the area should the wildfires get close to their residence.
To prepare for wildfires in advances, it’s a great idea to have these items squared away before danger strikes:
- Have emergency supplies like N95 respirator masks available and in an easy to access location in the home.
- Place any essential documents in a fireproof place and help your older loved one make digital copies, just in case.
- Make a plan for any pets or livestock on the property.
- Pack a to-go bag of essentials complete with any medications, paperwork, and non-perishable foods.
- Leave as soon as evacuation orders are issued.
How to Prepare for Tornadoes
Tornadoes can come and go very quickly. To prepare, the National Weather Service recommends staying up-to-date on weather in the local area and heed any tornado warnings. If your loved one lives in an area that is prone to tornadoes, you should help them by doing the following before an emergency happens:
- Create a plan in advance about what to do should a tornado hit the area. Help them determine if it would be better to stay at home or go to the nearest shelter.
- Help your older loved ones pick a safe room in their house to seek refuge such as a basement, storm cellar, or interior room. This location should be low to the ground and have no windows.
- Make sure your loved one knows what a tornado looks and sounds like so they can seek shelter in case they missed the tornado warning. Remember, a tornado looks like a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud and sounds similar to an oncoming freight train.
Creating a Strategy is the Key to Staying Safe
Being in communication with the seniors in your family and creating a plan before inclement weather hits are the best ways to keep your loved ones safe. With a sound strategy in place, seniors can properly prepare themselves, but having additional help around the home can also be beneficial to make sure they are cared for and follow through with any emergency plans.
The professional caregivers from Accessible Home Health Care are trained to provide for seniors and keep them safe. Our professionals have assisted seniors in a variety of situations to ensure care is provided and that they are safe, no matter the situation. If you would like the peace of mind knowing your loved one is being looked after in their home, contact us.
