Hurricane Checklist: Seniors Be Ready

As hurricane season continues and the tropics are busier and busier with storms threatening the U.S. mainland, millions of people prepare for winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and possible power outages. Ensuring proper preparation will keep your and your aging parent safe and ensure you have peace of mind. Below are 10 tips you should take to ensure you and your senior parent or loved one stays safe:

1. Create a list of resources: Find pencil and paper to write a list of resources and contact information. Write down all friends and family, primary care physician, pharmacist, and local disaster relief numbers.

2. Make sure someone is checking in: Call your mom and dad’s neighbors to ensure they plan on staying close by to check in. If you don’t live close to your aging parent, there is nothing more stressful than not being able to call or visit. Ask if their neighbor will check in with your parents at least once per day and then let your parents know to expect a visit.

3. Collect & Protect Documents: Preparing for a hurricane or storm should take place months ahead. In case of flooding, make sure copies of deeds, personal identification, insurance policies, social security cards, & birth certificates should be in one place, ideally in a sealed plastic bag. If you want to go the extra mile, make electronic copies of each and add the documents to a USB drive and place the USB file in a safety deposit box.