Blog
How Seniors Can Stay Safe During Hurricane Season
Posted by Scott Cantin in Senior Care | 0 comments
Miami is a great place to live, especially if you are a senior, but like anywhere else, it has its downsides. For many people, the biggest downside is the climate. Severe weather is always a threat, with hurricane season taking up a large portion of the year. If you are taking care of a senior in Miami, it is essential that you keep them prepared to deal with hurricanes and other inclement weather conditions.
Need senior support or resources in Miami?
Here at Advancare, our team of in-home caregivers is committed to providing compassionate in-home senior care for our Miami, FL clients, and we are happy to share our tips on hurricane preparedness.
Hurricane Checklist for Miami Seniors
Hurricanes and severe weather can be a frightening experience for seniors, especially ones who are living on their own. One of the best ways to mentally prepare for a hurricane is to have our caregiver services in Miami create a preparation kit for hurricanes. Doing so will ensure that the seniors in your life have all the necessary supplies and medication to weather the storm.
This kit will be useful if you stay in your home during the hurricane, and your senior can also bring it with them if they are forced to evacuate. Here are some things that you should include in your storm preparedness kit for at least three days.
- Non-perishable food (canned goods, dried fruit, nuts, etc.)
- Any necessary medication and medical supplies (have extra oxygen tanks if needed). Also, contact your doctor’s office and pharmacies to ensure access to care and medication
- First-aid kit (bandages, adhesive tape, alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment, pain relief medication, etc.)
- One gallon of water per person per day
- Personal hygiene and sanitation items
- Portable generator or battery-powered device to charge medical devices
- Battery-operated radio with extra batteries
- Cellphone and charger
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Waterproof container with important documents (identification cards, medical records, and insurance cards) and cash
- Lighter and matches
- Cooler and ice packs
- List of important phone numbers and emergency contacts
- Pet supplies if applicable (food, water and medication)
Secure your Home
- Reinforce windows and doors with shutters or plywood
- Bring in all outdoor furniture and decor
- Clear gutters and drains to prevent water from flowing into your home
- Trim trees and vegetation
- Secure loose objects around the property
- Disconnect all unnecessary electrical appliances
- Turn off gas and water supply
- Make sure your roof is in good conditions
- Identify safe spaces in your home (such as bathrooms or closets)
Plan for a Power Outage
One of the most important aspects of elderly care in Miami, FL is planning for power outages. Whether they’re caused by hurricanes or another type of severe weather, power outages are common and can be cause for concern if the senior is not prepared to handle them. The items in the hurricane preparedness kit can also be used in the event of a power outage, and here are some additional things that you can do to plan for a power outage.
1. Air Conditioning
In Miami, losing air conditioning can be the most uncomfortable aspect of losing power during a storm. If the AC goes out, try to prevent light from entering and warming the room by covering up your windows on the inside. Try to avoid using fans unless you are in the room with them.
2. Food
Tell your senior to turn down the fridge temperature and freeze any food that can be frozen if you are expecting a power outage. Have a cooler with ice packs, drinks, and snacks prepared. First consume food that spoils fast: eat fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, and dairy products which spoil quickly. Discard food that smells, tastes, or looks odd, has an off odor, discoloration, or slimy film. Also, get rid of food from cans or bottles that appear wrecked or swollen.
3. Gas
Make sure that your car’s gas tank is full in the event of a power outage. This makes it easy to leave town if necessary.
Transportation Assistance
During hurricane season, transportation assistance and paratransit options are essential for individuals with mobility challenges. One such service is Miami-Dade County’s paratransit service, which may provide evacuation transportation to an evacuation center or a designated shelter before the storm. This service must be scheduled in advance by contacting the county’s Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program.
Moreover, the American Red Cross also offers transportation assistance during hurricanes and other natural disasters. Their services include providing transportation to and from shelters and healthcare facilities for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges.
Other Considerations & Tips
- Have a plan in place for how you will evacuate if necessary. It’s important to have it well before a hurricane is expected to hit.
- You should be aware of the evacuation route in your area and have a plan to leave quickly if necessary.
- Monitor the news for updates on the storm’s path and any evacuation orders. Listen for updates on the radio.
- Stay indoors during the hurricane and avoid going outside until it is safe to do so.
- Have a communication plan in place with family and friends in case of an emergency. This can include having a designated contact who can check in on you during the storm.
Emotional & Mental Health Considerations
One of the most significant emotional considerations for seniors during a hurricane is the fear and anxiety that can come from living through such a natural disaster. The uncertainty and potential danger of the situation can cause seniors to feel anxious, stressed, or even fearful for their safety. This type of distress can increase their vulnerability to physical illnesses and long-term mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
Another emotional consideration is the feeling of isolation that can occur during and after a hurricane. Disruptions in transportation, communication systems, and power outages can leave seniors feeling cut off from family and friends. This isolation can increase feelings of loneliness and anxiety and contribute to a decline in mental wellbeing.
Miami Senior Care & Support
Providing home help for seniors and in-home senior care services, the professional caregivers at Advancare are here to help your senior prepare for inclement weather. For more tips on how to help your loved ones prepare their homes, contact us at (305) 441-9794.
Originally posted on July 20th, 2020. Updated on September 14th, 2023.
