How to prepare for a hurricane when a caregiver

How do you prepare for a natural disaster emergency if you’re caring for an older person?

Natural, weather-related, and other disasters happen -- they're often difficult to avoid.  Yet, you can prepare, in advance, so that you and your loved ones stay safer.  In this episode, I review how you can make sure that your parents are safe in their own home, in a care facility, and even in a hospital, during a weather-related disaster.

First, and foremost, if you’re told to evacuate, listen carefully to what local authorities advise.  Evacuate to where they recommend you go based on the needs of the person you’re caring for.  It’s important to note that first responders may not be able to get to you, when and after a disaster strikes, especially if conditions would place their own lives in danger, or if roads are blocked.

Below is a list of points to review in each living environment:

In a care facility:  Questions to ask and confirm:

• Does the facility have adequate generator backup equipment, and when was it last serviced and tested? If it needed repair, how were the issues addressed?  When?
• How many staff members and hands-on aides, and medical staff will be on-site during a weather event?
• What are the facility’s evacuation plans?

Know where the facility is in an evacuation map zone.  You can check this on the town, county, or state maps.  Each should have an emergency update page during times of natural disaster.  

Where will your loved one be evacuated?  Know the location yourself, even if you're not physically there with them.

Is there enough support to do this safely for everyone?                                 

Although staff members may be required to work through a storm, many will want to go home to care for their own families. Who can blame them?

Ask if you can volunteer to help if they’re short-staffed.

If evacuated, what medical support will they have on hand at the evacuation location?

• Consider:

Spending the night at the facility with your loved one, in their room.

Sleeping in their room on a couch, chair, or floor if necessary. 

Bring extra blankets, pillows, and a sleeping bag, and hunker down for the duration of the storm.

Bringing your own kids along for the adventure if they’re able to stay calm.

Staying if needed, until you are confident that things are back as they were before the emergency.

In Hospitals:

• Ask who are the key people in charge of the floor where your parent is located.
• Ask about their emergency backup system.  The floor staff may not know the answer, yet it’s worth asking who does know. 
• Book to read: