Hurricane Preparedness for Punta Gorda Area Seniors

Between June and November, hurricanes are a real threat to all Florida residents. While most cities along the west coastline, like Punta Gorda, don’t have landfall hurricanes, the effects of a hurricane from anywhere in the state can affect communities for 100s of miles around. 

Whether you’re new to Florida or a lifelong resident, understanding the basics of hurricane safety is essential to remain safe and calm during the tropical storm season. 

What To Do Before A Hurricane

One benefit of hurricanes is that we can predict them days or even weeks before they hit, giving locals plenty of time to prepare. If your local weather services are predicting a hurricane, it’s important to jump into action as soon as you can. 

• Stock up on emergency supplies. Hurricanes last multiple days, so you’ll want enough food and supplies in your home to last at least a few weeks. Make sure you have nonperishable food items, medications, hygienic goods, and safety items. 
• Protect your property. High winds and water are two of the primary things you’ll want to protect your home from during a hurricane. Bring any outdoor furniture and supplies inside while reinforcing windows, walls, and roofs from the winds. You can waterproof your basement and ensure any important goods are on higher levels of the home to reduce water damage in case of flooding. 
• Collect important documents from your home and ensure they’re somewhere safe. Important documents include birth certificates, wills, or other financial documents. Put them in a fire and water-proof safe and place them somewhere safe. 
• Prepare to evacuate. In the case of a high-level hurricane, you will need to evacuate your home. Pack a to-go bag with essentials, including important documents, and mentally prepare for the possibility of leaving your home.

What To Do During A Hurricane

Once the hurricane hits, you’ll be restricted at home for a few days. You’ll want to remain valiant to ensure your safety during this time.

• Follow local guidelines. Every hurricane is different, and following local guidelines is important to stay home safely. May mobile phones receive automatic alerts from the National Weather Service that will provide updates on hurricane conditions. 
• Evacuate if advised. Authorities may deem evaluation necessary even after a hurricane starts. If authorities ask you to leave, don’t try to wait out the storm. Head to an emergency shelter with your essentials. 
• Move to high ground. Floods are common with hurricanes. Stay safe from floods by staying on higher floors and out of basements. 
• Stay indoors. Unless advised to evacuate, stay indoors during a hurricane. Don’t drive on any flooded roads or try to walk through high waters. 
• Call 9-1-1. If there is an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. 

What To Do After A Hurricane

The end of a hurricane doesn’t mean you’re completely safe yet. Before returning to everyday activities, you’ll want to consider the following. 

• Wait for authorities to clear an area before returning. You may be eager to get home, but if you’ve evacuated an area, wait for authorities to clear the space before returning. 
• Stay off of flooded roads. Don’t drive or walk through flooded roads, even after a hurricane ends. The water is often deeper than you think and can be a drowning risk. 
• Check for downed power lines. Before you venture outside your home, look for downed power lines or trees close to it. If you see any, contact local authorities to have them safely removed.
• Don’t move heavy debris. Moving debris can cause an avalanche if you’re not moving it safely. Leave heavy debris to emergency professionals. 
• Refrain from drinking tap water. Drink bottled water until authorities give the okay that tap water is safe to drink. 

You can learn more about preparing for a hurricane from Ready.gov.

How Visiting Angels Can Help

Hurricane safety requires considerable physical, mental, and emotional strength, especially for older adults who are new to Florida. And whether you’re new to Florida or a lifelong resident, prepping for a hurricane isn’t something you should do alone. 

That’s where Visiting Angels steps in! Our locally owned and operated at-home care agency works with seniors throughout Punta Gorda to ensure they live safe and comfortable lives at home. We can help clients feel safe in an emergency and assist with daily tasks like housekeeping, cooking, laundry, medication reminders, personal grooming, and transportation. 

Contact our Punta Gorda office to learn more about our at-home caregiving services.