Preparing For Hurricane Season: Safety Tips For Seniors

If you’re a lifelong Gulf Shores resident, you know there’s a risk of hurricanes living along the Gulf Coast. While Alabama doesn’t see as many disastrous hurricanes as other states along the southeast coast, like Florida, there’s still a chance that a hurricane can cause damage and disarray.

Whether you’re new to Alabama, a seasonal resident, or a lifelong local, brushing up on your hurricane basics and safety never hurts. 

Hurricane Basics

A hurricane is a tropical storm where winds reach a minimum of 74 mph. Hurricanes get a 1 to 5 rating based on their wind speed. The higher the rating, the more potential they have to cause damage. Cities closest to the coast are going to see the most damage. However, hurricanes can cause heavy rain and strong winds miles away from where they touch. 

Hurricanes can occur anywhere along ocean and gulf coasts, but they’re more common during hurricane season, which runs from June through November. You should be most prepared to evacuate in a hurricane-related emergency this time of year.  

Hurricane Safety for Alabama Seniors & Families

Remember these safety tips before, during, and after a hurricane to keep yourself safe. 

Before

Meteorologists can often predict a hurricane’s path and wind speed days before it hits land. Once a weather center sees the potential for a hurricane near you, it’s important to start preparing for a possible emergency. 

• Prepare an emergency kit. This kit should include fresh water, food, clothes, and medications. You’ll also want a first aid kit, flashlight, and batteries. If possible, you’ll want to keep your emergency kit on a higher level of your home in case of flooding.
• Stay updated with weather alerts. Most cell phone carriers have national weather warnings that get sent to your phone, but you can also sign up for local updates, where you’ll get regular texts to let you know the hurricane’s progression. 
• Prepare to evacuate. Even if authorities haven’t issued an evacuation, mentally prepare yourself for the possibility that you may have to leave and make sure you have things packed and ready for a quick exit. 
• Tie down any outdoor furniture. You should bring any lightweight furniture indoors, but heavy objects, like grills, should be anchored so they don’t get carried away by the wind. 
• Protect your windows. High winds can break windows and move objects into your windows. Keep them safe by covering them with storm shutters or plywood. 

During

If a weather center expects a hurricane to produce extensive damage, authorities may ask you to evacuate your home. If you don’t have to evacuate, you still want to take precautions to keep yourself safe. 

• Move to high ground. You’ll want to stay out of the basement in case of flooding. If you have more than one floor, go to the highest floor of your home to stay safe from rising water. 
• Don’t go outside. Even if things are calm outside, stay indoors until authorities say it’s safe to go out. High winds can pick up suddenly and put you in immediate danger. 
• Take shelter toward the middle of your home. You want to stay away from doors and windows. Go to a room toward the middle of your home, such as a hallway.

After

Once a hurricane passes, you’re out of immediate danger, but there are some safety precautions to consider, especially if you’re living in an area that experienced damage. 

• Don’t return home right away if you evacuate. Wait for authorities to clear your area and keep it safe before returning. 
• Don’t drive or walk through flooded areas. A puddle may look shallow, but you never know what’s in the water or how deep something is. Standing water may also contain bacteria or harmful chemicals that can make you sick.
• Be careful of fallen power lines. Don’t approach the powerline or anywhere in the immediate area.   

Hurricane Safety With Visiting Angels

You don’t have to prepare for a hurricane alone. At Visiting Angels, we’re dedicated to keeping our clients safe, which includes ensuring they have what they need to make it through a hurricane. Whether you need someone to help you pack an emergency bag or find the latest hurricane news, we’re here to help. 

Visiting Angels Gulf Shores is a locally owned and operated home care agency. Our team of compassionate caregivers focuses on helping seniors throughout Foley feel safe and comfortable as they age in place. We can assist with many nonmedical tasks like cooking, dressing, grooming, cleaning, medication reminders, mobility, and transportation. 

Contact our office if you or an aging loved one would like to learn more about at-home care services with Visiting Angels.