Top 10 Senior Living Hurricane Season Preparation List

Written by: Advance Catastrophe Technologies, Inc.

1. Have a plan! The implementation process must be managed by senior managers with involvement from the whole team. Utilize Safety/Risk Committees to assist in completing and maintaining the plan, share efforts and responsibility and involve residents and family members. Your plan should be a collaborative effort between the community, local response agencies, peer-communities, vendors, and other resources. There are many sources for disaster planning help, here are a few: 
   • Red Cross Ready Hurricane Safety Checklist
   • ALFA Emergency Preparedness Tool Kit
   • EM Alliance Resources
     
   • FEMA Hurricane Guide: Before, During, and After the Storm
   • National Weather Service Hurricane Preparedness Tips

    

 

2. Assemble a disaster supply kit to include:  water, nonperishable food items, first aid supplies, clothing & bedding, tools & emergency supplies, medicines, and health instructions for each resident.

 

3. It is important to know who is going to help return your community to operational condition. Create a list of your emergency vendors (restoration company, plumber, electrician and roofer etc.) Call each one to discuss and verify what they are ready to do for you in your time of need.

 

4. Watch the weather. Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates. Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended. 
      
5. Secure all windows and any outdoor items that could become flying objects. Wedge sliding glass doors so they do not lift off track.
      
6. Fuel and service your vehicle. Gas often becomes hard to purchase during a hurricane.

 

7. Have an extra supply of cash on hand. With no power, credit cards are worthless. 
8. If your community has a back-up generator, test it and have extra fuel. 
      
9. Purchase weather proofing supplies, such as plywood, sand bags, and duct tape. 
      
10.  Evacuate, if advised to do so!
       
     

 Advance Catastrophe Technologies, Inc. (ACT), a leader in disaster response, provides turnkey disaster recovery and restoration services. ACT specializes in the senior living industry and is large enough to respond to any size loss. Learn more at http://www.actcat.com/.

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