Hurricane Season Can Bring a Storm Within If Not Prepared!
Hurricane season is a stressful time for many people, especially caregivers. Caregivers must not only think of their safety but they must also figure out a plan to help protect and evacuate their disabled loved ones in the event of a storm. This can feel overwhelming because they are responsible for loved ones who have physical and cognitive deficits. Let’s reduce this stress, bring it down a couple of notches by getting a plan together! I’ve put together some links which provide information that can help you get your plan together.
It may take a little time to get it all together but not as much time as you think and doing so can save you a lot of time and stress later. So, let’s stop thinking about it, and let’s make it happen! So let’s get started…
1. Make A Disaster Kit
This is not new information for many of us. We hear it every hurricane season but many don’t act. If we’re honest with ourselves, we would admit that it often surfaces in our minds each time we hear of a storm on the horizon but we keep pushing the thought away by saying “I’ll do it later.” Well, later is now!
I’ve made it easy to do my attaching the following link from the American Red Cross website. Click the link, take the quiz, then start packing that kit.
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html
2. Get ready for action, right before the storm.
Listen to local authorities on TV, radio or phone for latest updates. Plan for sheltering in place but also be ready if you must leave. Get a pen and tablet ready. Write down information about local shelters for the disabled or those with serious medical needs. Keep this with you. Update your information as additional shelters open and evacuation is needed. Remember your pets.
Another link to American Red Cross to help you get organized.
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane.html
3. Plan for Evacuation if Needed.
Evacuating is stressful for all involved —stressful for you the caregiver, and equally and even more stressful for loved ones with dementia and physical limitations. You remaining calm is key to reducing your loved one’s stress. Having this plan in place helps with the process of remaining calm.
Create your evacuation plan.
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan.html.
Additional considerations for those with Dementia.
Attached is a link from Alzheimer’s Association which provides information
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/in-a-disaster
Emergency contact card
Being prepared is essential. Get started today.
Consuela Marshall, Occupational Therapist
Today’s blog is inspired by a caregiver question to the call-in line of Caregivers Finding A Foothold podcast. To hear questions and other challenges from caregivers in our community, please check out the website FindingAFoothold.com, Episode 11: Caregivers Must Prepare During Hurricane Season.
If you have a question, please call and allow this community to share hope and tips you can use. Your question may inspire our next blog! Please subscribe to the Caregivers Finding A Foothold podcast. Like use on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram.
Disclaimer: The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.