Well, it’s winter again…snowstorms, ice, and power outages.
We live with increasingly complex weather.
Maybe it’s also the fact, that we depend more and more on those things we build and not what nature provides for us.
As we age, preparing for bad weather becomes increasingly important to ensure the safety and well-being of seniors. Adverse weather conditions, such as storms, extreme temperatures, or natural disasters, and fire or heat can pose unique challenges for older adults.
Here are 10 suggestions that seniors live with in hurricane Florida.
These are practical tips and strategies for seniors to prepare for bad weather and navigate through challenging situations with resilience.
If you truly want to understand safety, then get the Caregiver's Starter Guide as Chapter 4 explains why family members really shouldn't worry too much.
Stay Informed
We all know our weather forecasters get it “close”, but rarely accurate. Still, we want to know what to prepare for.
One of the first steps in preparing for bad weather is staying informed about weather forecasts and potential hazards. We should regularly check local news, and weather apps, or subscribe to emergency alert systems to receive timely updates. Understanding the forecast allows us to anticipate adverse weather events and take necessary precautions.
Get a battery-operated AM/FM radio.
This saved my sanity during our 14-hour Hurricane Ian.
Create an Emergency Kit
Assemble a comprehensive emergency kit that includes essential items to sustain them during challenging weather conditions. This kit may include non-perishable food, water, medications, a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, important documents, and personal hygiene items. Having this kit readily accessible ensures seniors are well-prepared in case of power outages or evacuation.
Develop a Communication Plan
Establishing a communication plan is crucial for seniors, especially those living alone. Maintain a list of emergency contacts, including family members, neighbors, and healthcare providers. Ensure that communication devices, such as cell phones or landlines, are fully charged, and consider having a backup power source, such as a portable charger.
Also, know where your closest hospital is. Hospitals will have their power on and have spotty cell service. Many people try to get to a hospital to call their loved ones first.
Secure the Home
Preparing the home for adverse weather involves securing windows, doors, and outdoor furniture to minimize potential damage. Seniors should inspect their homes for any structural vulnerabilities and address them promptly. Installing storm shutters, reinforcing doors, and trimming trees around the property can help prevent damage during severe weather events.
It is also important in winter time to consider heat. If you know your home could be without power, isn’t it best to get to a hotel or a friend’s house? Make these arrangements before you lose heat.
Plan for Power Outages
Power outages are common during bad weather, and seniors should be prepared to manage without electricity for an extended period. Consider investing in a generator, especially if living in an area prone to frequent outages. Ensure flashlights and candles are readily available, and familiarize yourself with the location of the circuit breaker box for quick access.
During Hurricane Ian, it was the transistor radio that kept us informed about when our power would be back on.
Arrange Transportation
Family members, pay attention…
If your senior is in a senior facility, get them out before the disaster hits. Several reasons dictate this is good practice.
1 – These facilities work off a skeleton crew and ther are not enough services or food to go around.
2 – We have seen too many senior facilities in bad weather lose their power even though they assured their residents that everything was in tip-top shape. We knew better.
3 – You won’t worry about your senior because they will be with you.
4 – It gets very lonely and stressful after a severe weather event. Do not go through this. A safe place is always best and senior facilities are not it. They are happy to have seniors leave and find safe housing elsewhere.
In our experience, seniors had to go to shelters which are the last place any senior needs to be. Medications, pets, and people are left to manage little food, cold arenas, and lost medications.
Stock Up on Medications
Havin said that about medications, remember doctor’s offices are closed, pharmacies are closed. In a disaster, people are told to go to the emergency room to get medications.
So, maintaining an ample supply of medications is crucial for seniors, especially if they rely on prescription drugs for chronic conditions. Check with healthcare providers to obtain extra prescriptions in case of emergencies. Keep medications in a secure and easily accessible location within the emergency kit.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Extreme weather conditions can disrupt regular routines, making it essential for seniors to prioritize hydration and nutrition. Stock up on bottled water and non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items. Consider nutrient-rich snacks that require minimal preparation in case cooking becomes challenging.
Remember too, that change in diets can lead to constipation. Be prepared for this.
Seek Community Support
Seniors should be aware of community resources and support systems available during bad weather. Establish connections with neighbors to create a mutual support network within the community.
Remember, once the storm starts, there are no emergency personnel to help until it is safe to go outside. Therefore, it is best to get out of the storm when you know it is coming.
Evacuation Plan
All seniors and their families should consider evacuation.
Have a well-defined evacuation plan. Start early so you don’t get caught in traffic or the beginnings of the storm.
Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, local shelters, and transportation options. Communicate the evacuation plan with family members and neighbors, ensuring everyone is aware of the procedures and meeting points.
Preparing for bad weather is a critical aspect of senior safety and well-being. By staying informed, creating emergency kits, securing the home, and planning for various scenarios, seniors can navigate through challenging weather conditions with confidence.
Proactive preparation ensures that us older adults are resilient in the face of adversity, allowing us to maintain our independence and peace of mind even during the most challenging weather events.
Why stress when we don’t have to?
