Hurricane season can be a stressful time for all of us. Ensuring that our homes and businesses are prepared and protected, that we have an evacuation plan should we need it, and that we’ll be able to recover after the storm. Not every storm is a big one, but every hurricane or tropical storm can bring problems that we’ll have to deal with. Things get even more complicated for seniors, who may require additional help or support when a tropical system is inbound. So—who checks on mom or dad when a coastal storm is coming? That’s a simple question that leads us to a discussion about how best to care for seniors during hurricane season, how to keep our older loved ones safe when tropical weather threatens, and a broader look at senior care in Wilmington, North Carolina and the surrounding area.
Hurricane Preparedness for Seniors
The Atlantic hurricane seasons technically runs from 1 June to 1 December every year, although storms may occur before and after those dates. Here in Wilmington, North Carolina, our peak season for tropical storm and hurricane impacts runs from August through October, with September being the most common month for storms in southeastern North Carolina. It’s best to be prepared well before the storm arrives, preferably before the season even starts. Let’s look at some hurricane preparedness steps tailored to the needs of seniors. Many of these steps for senior safety during hurricanes are easy to implement, but all require a little coordination and planning:
- Start the conversation: It all starts with conversation, coordination, and communication. Talk with the senior in your life—or, if you are a senior, younger family members—and discuss what you’ll do to prepare for and respond to a tropical storm or hurricane making landfall in your area.
- Assemble an emergency kit: Everyone needs a three day emergency kit, preferably in an easily identified and easy to move container or bag. While each kit should reflect the user’s unique needs, most need to contain the following:
- Three days of non-perishable food and bottled water
- First aid supplies and required medications, especially prescription medications
- A flashlight and extra batteries
- A battery-powered or crank powered radio with NOAA weather band reception.
- Important documents like birth certificates, insurance information, vehicle or property info, and medical documents, all stored in a waterproof, clearly labeled container.
- A working cell phone, with charger and extra power banks
- Have a plan: this is going to unique to every individual situation, but it’s important for families to have plans should a storm threaten. Knowing evacuation routes, having a plan for when you’ll evacuate, and yes, knowing who will check on a senior family member is all part of hurricane preparedness for seniors, in Wilmington or anywhere else.
- Prepare and protect home and property: People are more important than things, but it’s still a good idea to have a plan for protecting homes, vehicles, and other property if a storm is coming. This will vary depending on the situation, but it may involve boarding up windows, relocating vehicles to more secure locations, and storing valuable safely.
Again, remember that everyone’s plan will be different. We all have our own unique family situation, our own living circumstances, and our own needs. The steps above should help get the process started.
So let’s get back to the central question about senior safety during hurricanes: who checks on mom or dad (or another senior loved one) when a coastal storm is coming? There are different options; let’s explore them.
Senior Care During Hurricane Season—And Year Round
For seniors living alone, it’s best practice to have multiple family members checking in with them during inclement weather or other potential emergency situations. It’s also best for family members to have a conversation in advance as to who will go in person to help out should it become necessary, including who will help a senior evacuate when the time comes. Hurricane season is a challenge for us all, but by working together as families and communities we can make it all a lot easier.
No matter the weather, New Estuary Home Care understands that every senior has their own needs, and that by working with seniors and their families we can help ensure that each senior can enjoy their golden years. For senior care in Wilmington, NC and its surrounding counties, aging in place is a wonderful option, and we’re here to help seniors get the most out of living at home. We offer a variety of care services, tailored to each individuals needs, and we understand the importance of family and community connections at any age. If you or a senior in your life may benefit from home care, get in touch today and we’ll discuss possible options and explore what home care can offer
