Hurricane season is in full swing and residents of the Carolinas are all too familiar with the havoc that storm season can bring upon communities. In times of severe weather, seniors can be particularly vulnerable as they often have limited mobility and heightened caretaking needs. This is why it is of the utmost importance that we all plan ahead on how we can keep our elderly loved ones safe and secure during hurricane season. Planning can often play a critical role in our ability to protect our loved ones from harm’s way and this is especially true when we are talking about our Senior relatives.
Keeping Elderly Loved Ones Safe During Hurricane Season
Like all of us, elderly loved ones should be prepared for hurricane season. Hurricane prep for seniors, however, may look a bit different and will often require the help of others both in the planning phases and in the event that a hurricane actually comes our way. Help your elderly loved one to do things such as inventory valuables in the home in case of storm damage. Try to include pictures in this inventory that can be provided to the insurance company in the event that a claim should be made.
While you are going through the home to make the inventory, remember to make note of any home repairs or protective measures that should be addressed prior to any storm landing. Making a home as weather-proof as possible can help it weather a severe storm. This means cleaning out gutters and checking to see that any flooding prevention measures are in working order.
Part of preparing your elder loved one for hurricane season will also be assembling a hurricane preparedness kit. Disaster supplies, such as flashlights, generators, potable water, and non-perishable food should all be gathered. Additionally, an evacuation bag with necessities should be assembled in case a quick evacuation from the home needs to happen. The evacuation bag should have an ID. Have contact information for family and friends written down and place in an easily accessible location as well as placing a copy in the evacuation bag.
Being prepared for a quick evacuation can also help keep your elderly loved one safe this hurricane season. This means having that evacuation bag packed and ready to go. It also means having a plan in place for how to evacuate. For those seniors with limited mobility or for those who do not drive, who will be tasked with getting them out of the house to a secure location? Does that person know what mobility equipment, such as a walker or wheelchair, or medication needs to come with the elderly person? These are questions that should be answered ahead of time.
Elder Law Attorney
Hurricane season can surprise even the most seasoned storm weathering veterans. Being prepared, however, can go a long way in protecting your elderly loved ones who may be particularly susceptible to the devastating effects these types of storms can have on a community. For more information on how to protect your senior loved one, Monk Law is here for you. Contact Monk Law today.