Seniors Prepare for Hurricanes & Other Disasters
Tips on Making Storm Season Easier on Older Adults
Jul 20, 2009
Storms and other disasters can be quite hard on the elderly. There are things to do which help with both survival and comfort during such events.
When a Hurricane or Other Disaster is Coming
Even before the media begin to talk of the coming event, some seniors may buy many things at once, and others may buy some each shopping trip to fit their budget. Either way, supplies need to be accumulated way ahead of the rush. Waiting till the last minute may result in empty store shelves. It also eliminates the standing in line for long periods, as well as the stress of wondering if need items will be available.
When a hurricane or other disaster is coming, stay informed. Each region has local stations whose goal is to give the needed information to its listeners. Calmly cool the house down and give special attention to the preparedness situation. Be sure the gas tank stays full so there will be a choice of evacuating if necessary. Recheck the evacuation kit whether it be a suitcase, bag, or whatever. Also review the safe place at home to see that it is fully ready.
When Sheltering in Place May be the Best Choice
Significant storms have taught people that some should leave and some should not. During Hurricane Rita, wholesale evacuation proved to be ineffective since it clogged the highways and caused health emergencies with those seniors who had to turn off the air conditioning in order to save gasoline when highways clogged to a stop. As an overreaction to the mistakes during Hurricane Katrina, numerous people left from low-risk areas and had no specific plan, which made needed evacuations almost impossible.
Although it is important to register with the local emergency authorities if there are special needs, it is still OK to decline if people are not in the area recommended to evacuate. An evacuation bag can still be packed, but the decision can be made after the hurricane is closer, and information is more clear. However, be sure to leave if it is recommended. Waiting too long is another high-risk choice which can have especially bad consequences for older adults.
If not in the high risk area or near the predicted storm surge area, inspect the home long before storm season and find a safe place to go during the worst of the storm. Consider the inner part of the house with no windows if possible. Some choose a bathtub if it's centrally located since plumbing usually isn't moved by winds. Place blankets, pillows, radio,and snack items including water there. Also any medical equipment (oxygen, CPAP, etc.) which may be needed should be located close by.
Supplies for Seniors to Have on Hand For Hurricanes or Other Disasters
Consult the local hurricane or disaster guide for local details. However, there are some items which are essential no matter which risk zone one lives in :
- Water – at least a week's worth, but more was helpful to the victims of Hurricane Ike. (The day before the storm hits, fill all the kitchen pitchers and other containers and use this water first before opening the sealed water bottles in the storm supplies. This will save money and will also make supplies last longer.) Also water can be poured in bathtub for flushing stools and for washing purposes.
- Non-perishable food – enough to last at least a week or more. (Be sure to have a way to open cans with a non-electric can opener.) Also for seniors who live alone, buy smaller cans of food so there are no leftovers. Include nuts for easy access to protein because under strained situations anyone's blood sugar may dip too low.
- Medications – prescription and over-the-counter meds, and a sheet showing usual medication times, since it can be harder to remain on schedule when under stress or away from home.
- Communication – Learn to text message now in case phones are out. Buy an old-fashioned phone that doesn't require electricity to run. Have phone numbers of friends and family handy, as well as ID.
- A supply of cash is vital when there is no power to use credit cards.
Tip for Making Freezer and Fridge Last Longer Without Electricity
Since large blocks of ice last longer than ice cubes, re-use milk, juice, or water gallon plastic bottles to make ice up beforehand. This also saves energy on running the refrigeration unit. When the power does go out, open the freezer only long enough to put a couple of these ice blocks into the fridge.
When seniors hear a hurricane or disaster is coming, prepare to evacuate or shelter in place. Get supplies early to make it as pleasant as possible. Stay calm, stay hydrated, and be ready. Then find a good book and hunker down till it passes.
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