The Atlantic hurricane season begins in June and ends in November. In 2023, there were approximately 45 hurricanes registered worldwide, according to Statista. It never hurts to be prepared for a hurricane, as they can hit when you least expect it. And we’re not just talking about you, you should also make sure your loved ones are prepared for hurricanes as well. This blog will help you prepare seniors, infants, and pets for a hurricane.
Hurricane Preparedness
Before we dive into preparing your loved ones for hurricanes, you need to make sure you’re prepared for a hurricane too. We wrote an entire blog on how to prepare for hurricanes, which you can read here. But to sum it up, make sure you at least follow these three steps:
Create a Hurricane Preparedness Kit
Your hurricane preparedness kit should include items like:
- Flashlights, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and extra batteries
- Battery-powered charging devices to power electronics, like your cell phone
- Non-perishable food and bottled water
- Blankets, clothing, and toiletries
- First aid kit
- Medications (at least a 7-day supply)
- Multi-purpose tool (like a pocketknife)
Find a Safe Room
During a storm, you’ll want to take shelter in a small interior room or hallway in your home with no windows and on the lowest floor. Figure out the safest place in your home before the storm approaches.
Know Your Evacuation Plan
For most hurricanes, you and your family will either shelter in place or evacuate. Always listen to local and state officials and follow their guidance and instructions.
Hurricane Preparedness for Seniors
Seniors face even more obstacles during natural disasters like hurricanes due to medical needs and limited mobility. It’s best for seniors to prepare for hurricanes so they can evacuate as easily as possible, if necessary. In addition to the tips above, seniors should follow the steps below to be prepared for hurricanes.
Have a List of Caregivers Ready
Because emergencies can happen when you least expect it, you should have a list of family members, loved ones, and caregivers you can call on. Your main caregiver may not be available when you need them. So, having a list of others you can rely on readily available is best.
Have Medications and Medical Information Ready
Make sure you have medical information readily available. This includes a list of all the medications you take, pharmacies you use, doctors you see, and the people on your contact list who know where this list will be in case you need it.
Medical Pendant
CPI Security offers medical pendants to those who are susceptible to emergencies and may not be able to call 911 themselves. Medical pendants can be lifesaving. During an emergency, all you have to do is press the button on your medical pendant and CPI Security will come over your two-way speaker to verify the emergency, then they will get the authorities to your home. CPI Security’s central station operators will stay on the line until help arrives, so you will never be alone.
Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Infants
Preparing for a hurricane takes on a whole new meaning when you have an infant to care for. Your emergency kit will need to be baby-friendly. Consider adding these items to your emergency preparedness kit, so you and your baby will be ready for any emergency that comes your way.
- Thermometer
- Copies of vaccination records
- Antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer
- Dish soap
- Portable crib
- Baby soap and shampoo
- Baby food
- Baby blankets
- Baby clothes
- Phone numbers for baby’s doctor, nurse, and pharmacist
- Diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream
- Medications
- Ready-to-feed formula
Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Pets
During a hurricane, you must think about your pets’ well-being too. They are dependent on you for their safety. Follow the tips below to keep your pets safe during a hurricane or other natural disasters.
Find Adequate Shelter
If you must evacuate, your pets must come with you. If it’s not safe for you to stay in your home, it’s not safe for your pets to stay at home either. Keep in mind, if you are staying in a hotel, you’ll need to find a pet-friendly hotel since not all hotels allow pets.
Pack a Pet Emergency Kit
Just like you need to have an emergency kit, your pets should have one too. Consider adding the following items to your emergency kit for your pet.
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers
- Food, drinking water, and bowls
- Cat litter/pan
- Manual can opener if your pets eat canned food
- Medications and copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container
- A first aid kit
- Pet beds and toys
CPI Security is here with you every step of the way during hurricanes and natural disasters. Our monitoring center is available 24/7 in case of an emergency. For more information on a home security system, contact us today. And for other home security and safety tips, visit our blog today.
Sources:
FEMA, “Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Seniors”
Advent Health, “Hurricanes and New Parents: How to Be Ready”
American Red Cross, “Pet Disaster Preparedness”
