How To Keep Seniors Safe During Severe Weather

Extreme weather can be dangerous for people of all ages, but seniors are more vulnerable, especially if they have health concerns or lack of mobility. To keep the elderly safe during these times, it's important to have a well thought out plan in place. 

Tips for Protecting Your Loved One from Storm Hazards 

Severe storms are a common occurrence during the summer months in Illinois, as we saw from the recent derecho that swept through our area in mid July. While midwesterners are no strangers to bad weather, it’s still critical to help our senior loved ones be fully prepared for when it occurs.

Keep your cherished family member protected during inclement weather by practicing the following tips.

Keep Them Informed 

Double check that your loved one is staying up-to-date on the latest forecast and has weather alerts from their local news station set on their smartphone or other device. Be sure they know the difference between a watch and a warning, and what actions they need to take in each situation.

Create a Plan Together

Does your loved one know what area of their home to shelter in the event of a tornado? If they have limited mobility, there are special considerations to take. Additionally, power outages are likely to occur during severe thunderstorms. For shorter outages, they should be aware of food safety and other guidelines. If there’s a prolonged power outage, they’ll need to relocate to a place with air conditioning. Help them develop an emergency plan and review it together so they feel adequately prepared. 

Secure Their Home 

Help your family member maintain their home environment on a regular basis. Things like overhanging branches can become hazardous during a thunderstorm. It’s also a good idea to secure outdoor furniture and plants and store them under a sturdy structure. 

Help Prepare an Emergency Kit

Your senior family should have a solid emergency kit in place before bad weather hits. The kit should include items like a stash of non-perishable food and bottled water, a first aid kit and medical supplies, flashlights and extra batteries, and a list of emergency phone numbers. 

Check on Seniors Often

Check-in on your senior loved ones regularly during storm warnings, especially if they live alone. They may have anxiety about the weather, and chatting with them can help ease their worries. Following a severe storm, help inspect their home and yard for possible damage and hazards, like fallen branches. 

Your Loved One’s Safety Matters to Visiting Angels 

If your loved one is aging at home, in-home care with Visiting Angels Rockford can provide helpful support before, during, and after severe weather. Our caregivers will happily prepare seniors for summer storms by creating an emergency kit and ensuring their home is safe and well maintained. Additionally, caregivers are able to offer support, encouragement, and companionship so that your senior loved one feels protected during inclement weather. 

If you’d like to learn more about our in-home care options, fill out our contact form or give us a call at 815-977-3452 today.