By Kim Wonsick, J&B Medical, Inc.
It’s officially hurricane season. Are you prepared? Preparation for a major weather event (or any type of emergency) can look different for each family. For example, preparations in a household with babies or young children will likely look very different than in a household with just a couple of young adults. This applies all the way across the board from households with pets to individuals with special needs and everyone in between. An often overlooked demographic that might need additional consideration is the older adult community. Older adults may have specific needs after a disaster, and without proper planning, those needs could go unmet.
According to FEMA, the best way to start planning is to assess your needs. In this area, hurricanes are a major concern for several months out of the year. So, having access to severe weather forecasts and updates is crucial. Sign up for weather alerts on your phone, or secure a weather radio. Then consider your dietary, medication and mobility needs if you were to be displaced from your home for an extended period of time. Develop an evacuation plan with a trusted friend or resources within the community, taking into account necessary accommodations for transportation, service animals, and medical equipment.
Once you’ve assessed your needs, start making the necessary arrangements. This starts with an adequate emergency kit to include the basics such as flashlights, water, batteries, non-perishable foods, etc. in the event you are able to shelter in place during the storm. Also, having your medications or medical devices in a portable container will allow for quick and handy access. Keeping everything close by during the event will prevent you from having to navigate a potentially dark home during a power outage. Also, keep all pertinent documents in one central location that can be quickly accessed in case an emergency evacuation is necessary. This includes (but is not limited to) insurance cards, a will, a power of attorney and a list of emergency phone numbers and contact information for family, friends and your doctors.
Finally, share your detailed plans with a trusted friend, family member or neighbor. Also, consider sharing a key to your home with this person and arrange for them to check on you before, during (if possible) and after the storm. Utilize your support network and community resources to help you navigate through the planning process and the potential aftermath of any emergency situations. For more comprehensive information, visit https://www.ready.gov/older-adults. And to register for a local special needs shelter visit: https://bit.ly/OCSpNS.
We here at J&B Medical can also lend a hand with your preparations! We have portable outlets that support a CPAP machine for up to 14 hours in between charges. It’s perfect to have on hand not only during hurricane season, but all year long as power outages can occur at any time. We also have first aid kits and other items useful in your emergency kits. And last, we have community resource information from the Florida Department of Health and Okaloosa County. Stop by and see how we can help!
