Hurricane Lee grows to powerful storm. How to prep for possible hurricane if you have seniors in your household
Hurricane Lee has grown into a very strong Category 4 hurricane out in the Atlantic Ocean, with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph. According to current models, the National Hurricane Center predicts the storm will remain a powerful hurricane through the early next week, with fluctuations in intensity over the next few days.
As of now, it is too soon to know exactly what impact Lee will have on Florida or the U.S.
Though hurricane season runs June 1 to Nov. 30, the busiest part of the season is August to October, with the peak just days away on Sept. 10. And with it brings more uncertainty and fear for the most vulnerable members of the community.
More than half of older adults have some kind of functional limitation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Which makes senior citizens disproportionally affected by hurricanes, with them making up two-thirds of the 149 Hurricane Ian-related deaths in Florida.
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Got any senior loved ones who might need guidance heading into the peak of storm season? Here's some tips before Hurricane Lee, or other storms, head their way:
Help loved ones stay informed about the storm
The first step anyone can to prepare for hurricane season is to stay informed, especially seniors who might not know all the ways to stay up-to-date on the latest forecasts. Find out about any local plans for emergency alerts, evacuation and shelter resources.
Sit down with your loved one to sign up for local weather updates and warnings. It also helps to familiarize your family with the terms frequently used, such as “hurricane watch,” which means the conditions for a hurricane are possible within 48 hours, and “hurricane warning,” which means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.
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Prepare an emergency kit with critical items
According to Ready, a national public service advertising campaign to educate Americans on natural disasters, a basic emergency supply kit should include the following recommended items:
Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
In addition to basic emergency kit items, seniors should also include important documents, medications, emergency contacts and any medical technology needed in case of evacuation. It is recommended to keep a list of medications, doctors, and pharmacies in a waterproof bag.
Make a safety and evacuation plan that involves loved ones
In an AARP survey last summer of 1,005 Florida residents 45 and older, 67% reported having a natural disaster emergency plan, compared with 75% in 2019.
No matter what, every household needs personalized emergency plan in case of a natural disaster. Understand how medical, physical and cognitive needs may affect their ability to respond to a disaster or emergency.
For older adults, their emergency plan needs to cover what's in their hurricane kit, where they can go in an emergency, how they will get there, and who they should call for help. Similarly, if appropriate, the planshould include any food or supplies needed by a service animal.
If a storm is currently approaching, determine if your relative is currently safe where they are or if they need to evacuate before it's too late. Make a list of shelters they can head to or nearby homes they can also ride out the storm incase of emergency.
FEMA recommends that while making this plan, caregivers and family members should create a chain of contacts for older adults to contact during an emergency. This can be other family members, friends, or even neighbors.
"Do not leave it all to one person because if they are injured or incapacitated, you may be left stranded," officials said.
Make sure medications stocked up and/or available
If they can able to refill any critical prescriptions beforehand, make sure to do it as soon as possible. Aim to have at least a two-week supply on hand, as hurricanes can disrupt pharmacies and transportation for long periods of time.
If your loved one have a medical condition, they should see about wearing a medical alert bracelet or pendant to signal to first responders incase of emergency. This could save their life, especially if they're are a diabetic or allergic to specific medications.
Help secure their home if they aren't able to
Securing your home ahead of a hurricane is important for damage prevention and safety. Once you've tied up your own home, help out your older relatives and those in your neighborhood.
If they don't already have hurricane shutters installed, board up windows with some pre-cut plywood. Remove any loose items or lawn furniture from the yard that could become projectiles in high winds. If possible, turn off the gas, electricity, and water in case of an emergency.
Review insurance policy
Have them take some time to review their homeowner’s insurance policy in advance, ensuring it covers hurricane damage and flooding. Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage and may not provide full coverage for other hazards.
Keep in contact with caregivers and loved ones
Whether it's before during or after the storm, adults should make sure they have a way to communicate with family and emergency services in a storm.
As Florida Senior Consulting suggests, this includes "being mindful of how you can communicate during a power outage." Officials highly having either a charged cell phone with an extra battery, a portable charger, or a traditional, non-electric telephone.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Hurricane Lee is major storm. How to help seniors prepare
