Essential Hurricane Kits for Seniors: Stay Safe and Prepared

Hurricane season is here again, and with it comes a need to be prepared. As many are well aware, it’s crucial for seniors to take steps toward emergency preparedness before a hurricane strikes. After all, having the right tools and supplies on hand can make all the difference during a natural disaster.

The Village at Gainesville is here to help with your comprehensive guide to creating hurricane kits tailored to seniors, ensuring their safety and well-being before, during, and after a storm.

Preparing Before the Storm

Being prepared well in advance is key to weathering hurricanes and other types of emergencies that might come from the effects of a hurricane – like power outages or flooding – safely. Seniors’ emergency planning prior to a storm should include:

• Figuring out the steps in your emergency plan
• Stocking or restocking your supplies and preparedness kit
• Assessing individual health and mobility needs
• Reviewing emergency shelters in your area
• Creating a plan to stay connected with family members and support systems

Aside from our guide – which will cover all of these points – checking local support services and authority figures, such as the American Red Cross, is also an excellent way to stay informed about hurricane shelters, resources and emergency supplies that may be available.

Having your plan in place can help you and your loved ones feel more secure during these types of unpredictable events, enhancing mental health and increasing overall safety simultaneously.

Essentials for Seniors’ Preparedness Kits

A hurricane kit for seniors must be comprehensive, containing all the essentials they may need for several days if isolated or without power. Here’s what to include.

Medications and Medical Supplies

Be sure to pack at least a week’s supply of medications, along with a list of them, dosing schedules, and any required medical equipment, such as hearing aids (with extra batteries), glasses or mobility devices.

Important Documents

Have copies of important documents like identification, medical records, insurance papers, and contact information for family members and doctors. Keep them in waterproof and easy-to-carry folders.

Non-Perishable Food and Water

Pack enough non-perishable food and hydration supplies (at least one gallon of water per person per day) for 3 to 7 days. Items like canned goods, protein bars, and dehydrated foods are good choices.

Communication Tools

Ensure you have battery-powered or hand-crank radios and flashlights with extra batteries. Having a mobile phone with a charger (or a power bank) can help you stay in touch with your family and emergency contacts.

Safety Equipment

Include items like first aid kits, blankets, and multi-tools. Make sure comfort items are packed as well, such as familiar pillows or calming scents, to ease stress during the storm.

Health and Mobility Tools

Consider your specific health and mobility needs. For instance, those with diabetes should have extra insulin and testing strips, while those with limited mobility should include extra durable shoes or other support equipment.

Considerations for Sheltering

When deciding where to shelter, whether at home or in an emergency shelter, consider:

• Comfort
• Safety and accessibility
• Proximity from the predicted storm path
• Any effects you could face from the storm, like flooding

If sheltering at home, ensure that the home is secure and ready to withstand high winds and flooding. If you do decide to remain at home, stock extra emergency supplies, including water and non-perishable food, batteries and any other supplies you may need.

For those choosing to evacuate to emergency shelters, check the availability of senior-friendly accommodations. Some shelters offer enhanced services for individuals with medical or mobility needs. Make sure the shelter is prepared for pets if you’re bringing one, pack extra necessities as needed, and verify that the location is equipped to meet any specific needs you may have.

Staying Connected With Family and Support Systems

It’s a good idea to compile a list of emergency contacts, such as nearby family, neighbors, and your doctor. Having this list on hand, with phone numbers and addresses clearly written, is a vital part of staying connected when storms hit.

Before the storm, you should inform your support network about your plans, where you’ll be sheltering and how they can stay in touch with you during the storm. Encourage family members to stay connected via phone calls, texts, or emergency alert systems if possible.

Additionally, consider using community resources, like neighborhood safety groups, to ensure that you’re checked on during the hurricane. Having someone nearby who can assist in case of power outages or other emergencies is a valuable part of your support network.

What To Do After The Storm

Once the storm has passed, the recovery phase begins.

• Inspect your surroundings carefully to avoid hazards like downed power lines or flooding.
• Use communication tools to check in with local and long-distance family and emergency contacts, letting them know you’re safe.
• If there are damages or safety concerns, contact local authorities for help or turn to organizations like the American Red Cross for further assistance.
• Continue to use your emergency kit supplies as needed, but take steps to replenish items like medications and hydration supplies as soon as you can.

We’re Hurricane-Prepared To Provide You With Peace of Mind

At The Village at Gainesville, the safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority. Our community is fully equipped to handle storm season, with dedicated plans in place to ensure everyone stays safe and secure.

Contact us today at 352-231-8706 to learn more about how we prioritize hurricane preparedness and keep our residents protected all year round.