Hello Toni:
We are new to the Houston area and have never experienced a hurricane. The flooding this week showed me how fast it can flood. I am sure that a hurricane is 10 times worse.
I am a little nervous because my 78 year old mother is living in an assisted living facility in the Spring Branch area. What can I do to be prepared for a hurricane or an emergency if one should happen in this area? I’ve been trying to research this and have not found an adequate plan online. Thank you in advance for your help. Janice, Houston,TX
Hi there Janice:
This is a great question… because hurricane season officially started on June 1 and will not end until November 30.
Now is the time to start getting prepared! Especially for those who have elderly or someone disabled living either with them or in a senior living facility.
Everyone should have a family disaster 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 when leaving Houston before Hurricane Rita, it took 36-48 hours on the highway because of the massive traffic jam. It is better to leave early, but if you leave too early, then the Hurricane may change its course. It is better to be safe than sorry.
a) Make sure you have a sufficient supply of prescriptions and always bring your list of current prescriptions for yourself or any family member.
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.
- 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? Make sure you have adequate cash until banks reopen. Remember, to take your check book. ATMs may not be operating and you may have to write a check. 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. Just like how to safely escape your house during a fire, you must know where to meet your family and loved ones outside of your area, when a disaster or hurricane hits. My family’s initial meeting place if we happen to be separated is Whataburger in Sealy on I-10 and Hwy 36.
Toni King is the author of Medicare Survival Guide is available only at www.tonisays.com and not sold in bookstores. Toni is an advocate/consultant for those “Confused about Medicare”. Contact Toni if you would like a workshop for your church, organization or a company lunch and learn at www.tonisays.com/ask-toni or call 832/519-TONI (8664). Also email her any questions you may have.
