Hurricane Preparedness 2007
Hurricane season started on June 1st, and the water in the Gulf was already 88 degrees last week off the City of Clearwater here in Pinellas County. If you have elderly loved ones living in this area, it’s time to confirm that they have extra provisions at home to get them through rough weather. Preparation here is similar to preparing for snowstorms up north. Many of the same provisions are needed.
We need to be prepared for power outages. This means there must be food available to eat that doesn’t require a microwave or stove to cook on. Food in the refrigerator can spoil and be unsafe to eat.
There must be an ample supply of drinking water, water to flush the toilet with, and water for personal hygiene use. A gallon or two of water will not be sufficient if a hurricane strikes. If there is a pet, additional water needs to be available.
Power outages may mean there might not be air conditioning. Electricity could be sporadic. Heat affects the elderly quicker than it does younger people. Compound high temperatures with medical conditions such as heart or respiratory conditions, and you have a perfect set up for health complications. Frequently people who are dehydrated exhibit signs of confusion but may not realize they’re impaired.
People in high-rise condos, or in apartments above the first floor should consider moving elsewhere. There may not be any electricity for elevators. If someone has difficulty ambulating, can’t go up or down steps, or is in a wheelchair, they should leave their building if a hurricane is approaching.
Everyone should know where he or she is going and how he or she is going to get there. Transportation should be arranged ahead of time.
Hand cranking radios are a great idea because batteries aren’t required. There are also shakable flashlights available that do not require batteries.
Otherwise, a supply of batteries for everything that uses them should be on hand in the hurricane supply kit.
If your loved ones take medications, they should have a full supply at their house if the storm passes but travel is not advised. There could be debris blocking roads, and if there is no electricity, stoplights will not be working. There may be nails and other items on the roads that can easily puncture tires. If your loved one gets a flat, are they able to change a tire? Do they have a good spare in their car?
For more information regarding hurricane preparedness here in Pinellas County, please go to: http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency
