Summer brings sunshine, cool dips in the pool, and fresh watermelon! But, summer also brings different types of severe weather! What are some tips to help the older adult in your life, prepare for severe weather?
Hurricanes: if the forecast is predicting a hurricane, stock up on the essentials; bottled water, non-perishable food, batteries, and toilet paper, well before the storm hits. (Accessible Home Health Care, 2020) Also, make sure medication is filled, there are flashlights (with working batteries), and make store runs right away, before stores are overcrowded and shelves are bare. (Young, n.d.)
Tornados: Create a communication plan with your loved one, if a tornado warning comes up. Identify what room is most safe for your loved one to go to and instruct them to go to that room as soon as a warning is issued. The safest room should be a storm cellar, basement, or room that is on the lowest floor, away from the most windows. Discuss the plan with your loved one, so they know what the plan is, anytime there is a tornado warning. (Young, n.d.)
Wildfires: Identify a plan with your loved one, in advance to a wildfire happening. Find out the community evacuation routes, prior to the wildfire starting, have N95 respirator masks on hand, pack a bag with nonperishable food, clothes, and medication, place important documents in a fireproof spot or make copies that are stored in another area, and have a plan for livestock/pets. Make sure to leave as soon as the evacuation is issued! (Accessible Home Health Care, 2020)
The key to increasing safety for an older adult, is to have a plan in place, for each of these severe weather events, prior to any events happening! Go over these plans often (write the plan down if needed!) so your loved one has no confusion when the time comes.
When it comes to identifying home safety and modifications related to an older adult’s independence with mobility, when preparing for severe weather, reach out to Home Therapy Solutions. Our occupational and physical therapists will work with your loved one on increasing independence, mobility, and provide recommendations for home safety! 218-230-2171
Resources:
- Accessible Home Health Care. (2020, September 9). How to keep seniors safe during severe weather. Accessible Home Health Care. Retrieved July 6, 2022, from https://www.accessiblehomehealthcare.com/blog/how-to-keep-seniors-safe-during-severe-weather#:~:text=Place%20any%20essential%20documents%20in,as%20evacuation%20orders%20are%20issued.
- Young, H. (n.d.). Tips for seniors to stay safe in severe weather. Right at Home Blog | In Home Care for Seniors. Retrieved July 6, 2022, from https://www.rightathome.net/blog/tips-for-seniors-to-stay-safe-in-severe-weather
