Fiona is just the first of the 14 to 21 names storms that will hit the U.S. and Florida is vulnerable. Hurricane Irma came ashore September 17th, so we are facing the deadliest time. We tend to wait to prepare until the hurricane is at our doorstep. But now that it’s September 19th you must prepare NOW.
All year long you need to have certain general supplies in the home just in case you lose power. These supplies must be on hand before a hurricane is forecasted as supplies run out quickly. Get them NOW. Two plans are needed: A) Non-evacuation and B) Evacuation.
General supplies to be kept all year long – right now check they are in-stock and working
Flashlights with NEW batteries (generally D) – you may want a ‘lantern’ type LED light to that you do not have to use your hand to hold it and thus will free up that hand.
Charger for cell phone with battery life of three to five days
Battery operated radio with extra batteries
Extra set of keys
Bottle of hand sanitizer
Plastic cups, plates and utensils
Manual can opener
Pre-moistened towelettes
Mosquito repellent and sunscreen
Water purification kit (includes chlorine and iodine)
First-aid kit with aspirin, antibiotic cream, antacids, anti-diarrheal, bandages, adhesive tape
Medic-alert tags
Oxygen
Masks
NOW
Contact friends and family who are inland to ask if they will shelter you during a hurricane. If they agree, send confirmation in writing to what they agreed, including:
o There is a place for you at their home and they are willing and able to take others in your household and/or your pets
o They have a generator that is able to last at least eight days
o Their address and contact information of the family to be given to family members
o If they are not able to take your pets, find a person or place who is willing and able; confirm this in writing
If you are unable to identify a person to shelter with, be prepared to contact hotels that are not likely to be
in the storm’s path; path’s change so you must constantly review it – the virus has closed hotels and
motels, but if a hurricane strikes, it is highly likely, they will be deemed essential and will be open.
Use your cell phone, camera or video camera to take photos of all of your belongings – room by room
Buy a mobile phone charger
Important Papers
Place the important papers listed below in one or more large plastic bags
o Copy of homeowner’s, auto, medical and pet insurance policies
o Medical policies and cards, including Medicare card
o Contact information: family, doctors, insurance agents, attorneys
o Serial numbers of items such as pacemaker
o Photos/video of home belongings
o Pet photo, license, and medical records
From the First Forecast of a Hurricane
Keep cell phone on your charger
Check your prescriptions and order if needed – once a hurricane warning is issued you are able to renew
any prescription for 30 days without a doctor’s authorization
Gas up and check all fluids or charge your vehicle
Get extra cash – enough to last three weeks
Freeze a glass of water then place a quarter on top. Return glass to freezer. If evacuation is required, upon return the placement of the quarter will provide an idea of how long there was no power so that you can dispose of food if needed. When in doubt, dispose the food.
Decide what is important to keep from getting water damage (photos, small art work, jewelry), put those items in the dishwasher which is air-tight and thus water-tight, remove racks for more storage room
Impending Hurricane
Fill up the bathtub with tap water so that you have water to use
Bring inside everything from your patio, balcony, terraces – eg. furniture, bicycles, potted plants, etc.
Move indoor furniture away from windows and glass doors
Hurricane Plans – A & B
Plan A – Non-evacuation
If you want to wait out the storm you could be without power, services and supplies for two weeks. Therefore, you will need a two weeks supply of bottled water, non-perishable food and medications with directions. In the heat of the summer having a generator is very important for an older person.
Plan B – Evacuation
If you plan to drive to evacuate – very important for those living on or near the water – you will need supplies for three days: bottled water, non-perishable food and medications with directions. Also pack extra eyeglasses and batteries for personal items such as hearing aids. You will want to bring linens with you including towels and sheets and items such as adult diapers. If you are driving, you need to check the storm’s path, the roads and traffic. Plan for long delays as everyone else will be evacuating too. If you do not have a person to shelter with, start contacting hotels that are not likely to be in the storm’s path; path’s change so you must constantly review it – the virus has closed hotels and motels, but if a hurricane strikes, it is highly likely, they will be deemed essential and will be open. Re-confirm the hotel reservation
before you leave and while you’re driving.
If you are flying out of the area, confirm your reservations several times before the departure day and time.
Before you leave, make sure ALL windows and doors are locked.
We at The Seniors’ Answer specialize in helping all aspects of the day-to-day of busy professionals, families and seniors. We have a team devised to tackle and manage concerns that many may have. If you have questions or need information about you or your loved one’s life management issues, please reach out to us. We are here to make your life simple, secure and stress-free. Call us at 305-646-1833 or email
at Corrine@TheSeniorsAnswer.com.