The spring is a challenging time for anyone when it comes to dangerous storms. Especially for those living in ‘tornado alley’ or along the coast, the spring can be nerve wrecking. When it comes to seniors and those receiving geriatric care, it is extremely important to be informed and prepared with a storm plan – whether it is for a hurricane or a tornado. After all, when it comes to spring storm preparedness the best form of protection is readiness.
When it comes to hurricanes, it is very important to have an evacuation plan ahead of time for you or your loved one in geriatric care. If you or your loved one are able to travel on their own, plan your evacuation route with a map and alternate plans of evacuation in case a route is blocked off. If you aren’t able to travel on your own, have emergency contacts of family members who have agreed ahead of time to help you get out of your home and to a safe location in case of an emergency evacuation situation.
Whether you or your loved one can travel yourself or need assistance with transportation, be sure not to forget licenses, identification cards, social security cards, leases and deeds, insurance policies, birth and marriage certificates and any financial documents. Have a copy of your insurance documents for your home or automobiles. If possible, record the bar codes and item numbers for valuables in house for insurance purposes in case of damage to the home. If you are receiving home health care or some form of geriatric therapy, have documentation of your conditions and your required medication or care. If possible, ask your home health nurse or geriatric care physician for extra medication to place in the emergency kit
In the case of a tornado, ask your or your loved one’s home health care nurse for advice on the best evacuation place that will be easily and safely accessible in the home. Be sure to have a list of emergency contact numbers taped in the evacuation location.
For any type of spring storm, one should always have an up-to-date emergency travel kit in the home. This kit should include nonperishable foods, water, medical supplies, maps and phone numbers. In addition, it is very important to include a contact list with phone numbers for local emergency services. Also, have the phone numbers for the geriatric care nurse or physician that will be available to answer medical questions in case of emergency during a storm.