Storm Preparedness for Seniors: How to Stay Safe in Wild Weather

When considering a move to a senior living community, there are so many things to think about. One of the key concerns, of course, is your health and safety, especially if you live in an area that experiences large storms. In an American House community, you’re surrounded by friends and helpful team members who make your safety their top priority. In a sturdy structure built to withstand high winds, there are very detailed protocols and procedures in place to make everyone feel safe and secure.

Our House is your Shelter in the Storm
At American House, we take critical and immediate precautions during storm season with our emergency preparedness plan, addressing everything from power outages to communication with family and loved ones. Our culinary team has a detailed protocols in place to help ensure the well-being of our residents and teams that includes:

• The immediate switch to community generators
• Three full days of emergency food, in addition to our regular seven-day supply
• Three gallons of water, per resident, per day
• An emergency menu with easy-to-prepare items for room delivery
• Vendor commitment for food delivery, up to and immediately after storms

Florida Nursing Home and Assisted Living Generator Law
Some jurisdictions mandate that standby generators are installed in senior living facilities and nursing homes to guarantee that indoor living conditions remain stable in the event of a facility power loss. Chapter 59 of the Florida Administrative Code requires that “Nursing homes will be equipped to ensure the protection of resident health, safety, welfare and comfort for a minimum of ninety-six (96) hours in the event of the loss of primary electrical power. Safe indoor air temperatures in resident-occupied areas shall be determined by the licensee to meet the clinical needs of residents but shall not exceed eighty-one (81) degrees Fahrenheit.”

Check this list to see if a nursing home or assisted living facility is in compliance with the Florida generator law.

Prepare for the Storms in Your Area
Wherever you live, it is always good to be educated and prepared, especially when it comes to the whims of Mother Nature. Here are some tips to consider as storm season approaches.

Hurricane Safety for Seniors
Hurricanes are a significant concern every year for residents of the southeastern United States. Capable of producing heavy flooding and destructive winds, the strongest hurricanes can destroy homes and present serious risks to those unfortunate enough to get caught in the storm. With satellite imagery, meteorologists begin tracking hurricanes and tropical storms sometimes weeks before they make landfall. It is important to take advantage of this advance notice and prepare.

Seniors faced with an impending hurricane should follow instructions given by local officials. Depending on the severity of the event, officials may order evacuations. Plan what roads you would take to leave the area and where you’ll stay ahead of time. Emergencies often result in unexpected delays, so factor extra time into your plans. Gathering supplies could take longer due to shortages at local stores, and evacuation can take longer due to traffic backups.

If you must shelter in place, make sure your home is ready to wait out a storm. Experts recommend having a week’s worth of supplies on hand. You should keep nonperishable foods, batteries, medical supplies and prescription medicines in an easily accessible storm preparedness kit.

The Home Generator
For seniors caught in a hurricane, a home generator can be a lifesaver, especially if you have any medical equipment that depends on a power supply. Home generators are available at a variety of price points. Standby home generators are the most expensive option. They’re powered by natural gas or liquid propane and are permanently wired into your home’s electrical system. Standby generators provide nearly immediate power after an outage. Portable generators are powered by gasoline or diesel fuel. They are smaller and more affordable than standby generators but have a smaller electrical output and can be difficult to hook up in a storm. To avoid risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, never run a generator indoors.

Flood Safety for Seniors
Heavy rainfall from storms can cause flooding. Low-lying areas—especially those near a body of water—are often at risk. When a storm could potentially cause flooding, authorities may order evacuation from areas that may be affected. It can be difficult to predict sudden “flash floods” though. If you know the area you live in might be affected, it’s good to have a plan in place. Be aware of local evacuation plans for your area. Keep extra supplies on hand knowing that it might be days or weeks before help arrives. Make sure your essential supplies are kept on a main floor and not in a basement, which would become inaccessible in a flood.

Tornado Safety for Seniors
Tornadoes are among the most feared weather events, especially in the Midwest. They often appear with little warning, meaning that you might have to make critical decisions in a matter of minutes.

Anyone caught in a tornado should immediately head to a basement area if possible. In many municipalities, mobile home parks are required to have underground storm shelters. If getting to a basement is not possible, get to the lowest point in the home and stay away from windows, glass objects and unsecured furniture.

Once sheltered, find something to protect your head, neck and back. Remain low to the ground and wait for the tornado to pass. Stay aware of tornado sirens, and only resume movement once the sirens stop and the storm is clear. After a tornado, avoid any areas that could possibly have downed power lines, and report any you see to your electrical service provider.

Tornadoes can damage utilities and broadcast towers, making it difficult to get information after the event. A portable weather radio is a great investment if you live in a storm-prone area. Keep it in the area where you plan on sheltering, along with your other supplies. Weather radios are available at a variety of price points, but even the least expensive ones will give you valuable information about storms in your area.

Download and print our storm safety tip card and keep it handy!