Making Sure Your Senior is Prepared for Natural Disasters

A natural disaster can occur in just about any part of the country at any time of the year. They are usually rare but with climate changes and population growth, many natural disasters are becoming more common and more catastrophic. Whether your aging loved one lives with you or whether she lives on her own with the help of an in-home care team, she needs to be aware of what natural disasters could occur in her community and how to manage them.

The first step is awareness.

The first thing your loved one should learn is what kind of natural disasters are most prevalent in her part of the country. This is especially important if she just relocated to a different part of the country in recent years and may not be as aware of what natural emergencies can take place. In the south, hurricane and extreme heat can be cause for concern. The west can be plagued with wildfires and even earthquakes. A good portion of the country can be affected by tornadoes, flooding, and dangerous blizzards in the winter.

Know the evacuation plan.

When a natural disaster occurs, does your loved one need to evacuate the area (such as an incoming hurricane or wildfires)? Perhaps she’ll need to find a safe place in her home to secure herself, such as during a tornado. If your loved one lives alone, having her in-home care provider review what your loved one should do when an alert is sounded will help her remain calm when and if a natural disaster seems imminent.

Include in-home care aides on hand for immediate action.

Many natural disasters don’t give enough notice to allow your loved one to run to the store quickly and stock up on what she needs. Having an emergency kit in the home that is stocked with essentials to last her 3-7 days can make sure she can quickly take the safety action she needs without spending time trying to gather what she needs in case she is stranded for a significant amount of time. Your loved one’s in-home care provider can help her arrange and store her emergency kit for such an event. Some key items to keep in that kit will include water, non-perishable food, medications, a flashlight, a battery-operated radio, a first aid kit, and copies of important documents (including a list of phone numbers since an out-of-service cell phone may not allow her access to contacts).

In-Home Care Dunnellon FL – Making Sure Your Senior is Prepared for Natural Disasters

Have a communication plan

Sometimes communicating with important authorities and those you care about during an emergency can be hectic due to down power lines or overwhelmed internet services. If your loved one does not live with you, have her write up a communications plan that will list multiple ways to reach out to those she needs to reach. Include phone numbers of neighbors, local services, family members, and in-home care providers. If cell service is out, list areas where she might be able to access a phone or wifi to reach out to those she needs to connect with.

Staying safe during a disaster begins with awareness and preparation. A good plan can go a long way in keeping your senior safe.

If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care Services in Dunnellon FL please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home Ocala & The Villages, FL today. Call 352-414-5316

Touching Hearts at Home Ocala & The Villages, FL is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Ocala, The Villages, Dunnellon, Belleview, Top of the World, and the surrounding areas.