In this video, we'll give you a few tips to help seniors get prepared for hurricane season. This is not going to be an exhaustive list, but more to get you in that mindset of being prepared.
Transcript:
Hey, I'm Jonathan Marsh with Home Helpers. Let's go over a few tips to make sure you're prepared for hurricane season. Let's go!
As you know, the official hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1st to November 30th. And this year, as if on cue, there was a storm immediately brewing in the Gulf of Mexico on June 1st. Wow. When hurricane season comes, we're always keeping an eye out on storms and reaching out to Manatee County Emergency Management to make sure we're taking all of the right actions to keep our clients and our staff safe.
In this video, I wanted to give you a few tips to help you get prepared for hurricane season. This is not going to be an exhaustive list, but more to get you in that mindset of being prepared. This video is more directed at seniors, but I'll have some resources listed at the end for everyone.
- Tip 1: Have a plan, have a plan, have a plan. Where are you going to go if there's a hurricane? Are you going to stay home? Stay in town but go to a friend's house or hotel? Stay in a community that provides respite care? Stay in a shelter? Or leave town? And do you have pets?
Of course, your decision may change and may be influenced by the strength of the storm, your care needs, whether or not you live in a flood zone, and other factors. Here in Manatee County and all across Florida is something called the Special Needs Registry for residents who may need assistance with evacuation and sheltering in times of a disaster. I'll leave some information about that at the end of the video. What's important about that is if you or your family member meet the criteria for the Special Needs Registry, you need to pre-register. Do that now. Do not wait until the storm to reach out, or you may miss out.
- Tip 2: Have a list of medications and assistive devices. Have this list so you don't forget meds and assistive devices you need if you have to evacuate. You also want to make sure you have enough of your medications to last you for a few days.
- Tip 3: Print a list of emergency contacts in case you need help. This should include multiple people such as family, friends, and neighbors.
Now, let's go over some resources that you may want to take advantage of to make sure you are prepared for hurricane season. I'll list them here, but I'll also include links in the comments or description depending on the online platform that you're using to watch this video.
First off, Manatee County. Manatee County has a wealth of resources for hurricane preparedness. If you're not in Manatee County, your county likely has some similar resources. Manatee County has available their 2022 Hurricane Guide that's available online, or you can pick up a hard copy at any Manatee Chamber of Commerce Office.
The Manatee County Government site also has lots of good information, including the opportunity to sign up to receive emergency text alerts. Manatee County also has the Special Needs Registry. Look into this if you or your loved one may need extra support during a disaster. Remember, this will require advanced registration.
And last but not least, the Red Cross has their Disaster Prep Guide For Seniors By Seniors. So there's always lots of good information there.
Thank you for watching this video, and until next time, this is Jonathan Marsh signing off. Let's go!
HOME HELPERS OF BRADENTON
Home Helpers of Bradenton is one of the region's leading home care franchises specializing in comprehensive services for seniors. Home Helpers' sole mission is to make life easier for clients and their families. Based in Bradenton, Florida, the company serves all of Manatee County, including the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Palmetto, and Parrish. For more information or to request a free in-home care assessment, contact our office at (941) 499-5946 or visit our website at www.homehelpershomecare.com/bradenton
