Hurricane Season

Hurricane Season Begins June 1^st…

Ready…if Your Family Needs to Leave Fast!!

 

Hello Toni:

I am new to the Houston area and  all of the flooding happening without warning causing havoc in our neighborhood. I am sure that a hurricane is 10 times worse.

I am very stressed because my 84 year old mother is living in an assisted living facility in the area and we live over 10 miles away from her.

What can I do to be prepared for a hurricane or an emergency if one should happen in this area for the elderly? I cannot seem to find an adequate plan online. Thanks, Janie

Hi Janie:

This is a great question … because hurricane season officially started on Wednesday, June 1 and will not end until Wednesday, November 30.

Now is the time to begin getting prepared, especially for those who have elderly or someone disabled living alone, with a caregiver or adult child or in a senior living facility.

Everyone should have a family disaster readiness plan for hurricanes and/or all types of disasters.  For seniors or those that are disabled, this is especially crucial for their survival because many are energy or technological dependent for life support or ongoing medical treatment.

I encourage you or a family member to register with the State 2-1-1 or Houston/Harris County 3-1-1, Special Needs Registry.  Registering will help in identifying individuals that require evacuation assistance, shelter placement, and /or other special needs.

Dial 211, today to prepare for a disaster tomorrow! It is just that easy!!

Here are a few questions, to help you prepare for nearly any disaster or hurricane.

• Do I stay or go? This will depend on where you live either in the city or in the country.  When living in the city, remember the fiasco with Hurricane Rita it took 36-48 hours of waiting on the highway because of the massive traffic jam. Better to leave early than too late.

1. a)  Make sure you have a sufficient supply of prescriptions and always bring your list of current prescriptions for yourself or any family member.
2. b)   Have a copy of medical records for those with critical medical conditions and keep them in a safe place you can get to if you have to evacuate at a minute’s notice.
3. c) Advise your family member where your information is located.

• Do I have access to clean water? If you do not have access to clean water, then any crisis becomes very critical in a couple of days.  Remember, you may not have access to a grocery store due to the type of disaster you are in.
• Do I have adequate food supply? Most households have a few days of food already available, but the best way to stock up on additional food and supplies is to add a little bit each week.  Remember, during a crisis the power may be out, so cook your frozen & refrigerated food first.
• Do I have enough cash on hand in case the ATMs are not working? Remember to take your check book.  ATMs may not be operating. Make sure you have your driver’s license or ID to cash a check.
• Does my family know where to meet?  It is important that all family members and loved ones know where to meet in a disaster.  My family’s initial meeting place if we happen to be separated is Whataburger in Sealy on I-10 and Hwy 36.

Toni King, author of the Medicare Survival Guide, which is a simple guide that puts Medicare in “people” terms, is on sale at www.tonisays.com. To schedule a personal Medicare consultation and/or email questions to www.tonisays.com/ask-toni or call Toni at 832-519-TONI (8664).