Proactivity is key: How seniors can prepare for hurricane season
By Mike Pudlin
June 1 is the official start to hurricane season, but preparation should begin long before that arbitrary date on the calendar.
When it comes to hurricanes, especially here in Southwest Florida, there is no such thing as being overprepared. Storm tracks and intensity can change in the blink of an eye. Seniors are especially vulnerable, making early preparation that much more important.
Having weathered several major hurricanes and tropical storms over its 35-year history, Gulf Coast Village in Cape Coral has continued to refine its Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, which cover risk assessment, policies and procedures, communications, training and testing. Seniors across Southwest Florida can adapt that plan to their unique living and health circumstances, paying close attention to the following:
Develop a plan
Know your evacuation zone. Individuals living in low-lying areas, near the water or in a mobile home will likely be asked to evacuate. Those whose homes were damaged during prior storms or those living in older homes should have a heightened sense of potential risks, especially if living in structures built before the post-Andrew building codes changed in 1994.
The safest option is often evacuating. Long before Southwest Florida falls within the cone of uncertainty, residents should know where the nearest shelter is located or whether they will leave the region. Making that decision when a storm’s landfall is imminent can be dangerous.
Many senior living communities, including Gulf Coast Village, remain operational during a storm. This offers peace of mind to residents. Seniors should communicate their plans with family members as well.
Create an emergency kit
Having an emergency supply kit, stocked with enough items to last at least three days, is crucial. For seniors, an emergency kit should include:
- Medication: Pack a two-week supply of prescription medications; for those requiring refrigeration, such as injections, have a cooler and ice packs available. Keep a list of medications that includes drug names, dosages, pharmacy location and the prescribing doctor’s contact information.
- First aid kit: Include bandages, hand sanitizer and moist wipes. Retail stores sell prepackaged kits that include most essentials.
- Hygiene products: Pack dental care items, soap and shampoo. Trial sizes should be sufficient.
- Documents: In a waterproof container, keep a copy of your photo ID, passport, birth certificate, social security card, health insurance card, health directives plan, living will, list of allergies and medications, family contact information and key medical records.
- Pet care: Pack at least a one-week supply of pet food, vaccination history, microchip information, pet carrier, medications and leash. Know which hurricane shelters and hotels allow pets.
- General items: Clean clothing, non-perishable foods and snacks, water, battery-operated radio and fan, flashlight and spare batteries. Pack cash as stores might not be able to accept credit cards if the internet is down.
Prepare your living quarters
Secure any outdoor items like patio furniture, potted plants, trash cans and decorations. If living independently, enlist the help of neighbors, friends or family members to install hurricane shutters. For seniors, roll-down hurricane shutters and impact-resistant windows are a great investment that protects property and expedites storm preparation. Take a household inventory, which can be as simple as filming a walk-through video on a cell phone to document the home’s condition and contents. This is especially valuable when filing an insurance claim.
Weather forecasters are again calling for an active hurricane season in 2024. Being prepared is critical if another Ian, Irma or Charley makes landfall in Southwest Florida.
About the Author
Mike Pudlin is the director of facilities at Gulf Coast Village, a premier life plan community in Cape Coral. Visit GulfCoastVillage.org for more information.