Hello Toni:
We are new to the Gulf Coast area and all of this Hurricane talk makes me nervous. My 78 year old mother is living in an assisted living facility in the Sugar Land area. What can I do to be prepared for a Hurricane or an emergency if one should happen in this area? Can you give me some advice? Thank you in advance. Joyce M, Fort Bend County
Hi there Joyce:
This is a great question…Joyce. The season officially started on June 1 and will end on November 30. Now is the time to start getting prepared! Especially for those who have elderly living either with them or in a senior living facility.
Everyone should have a personal disaster plan for hurricane and all types of disasters. For seniors or those that are disabled, this is especially crucial for their survival. For those who 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. Call 211, today to prepare for a disaster tomorrow!
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 your list of current prescriptions for yourself or any family member.
b) Have a copy of medical records for those with critical medical conditions.
- 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.
- 5. 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 is Whataburger in Sealy on I-10 and Hwy 36.
Join me on Tuesday, July 16th at 6:00 PM for my first “Confused about Medicare” workshop in the West University/Medical Center area. The workshop is at the West University Place Senior Center located at 6104 Auden, West University Place, (Houston) TX, 77005. Workshop is free to the public and space is limited, RSVP at 832/800-4674. Local Medicare experts will be available to answer questions.
Toni King, Medicare advocate, consultant and author of Medicare Survival Guide that is available only at www.tonisays.com and not sold in bookstores. Email questions to toni@tonisays.com or call 832/519-TONI (8664). Sign up for the new Medicare Survival newsletter available at www.tonisays.com.
