Hurricanes & Seniors

The challenge of protecting seniors from natural disasters

Families that need to protect the safety and health of an elderly person feel an even greater responsibility during a disaster. Though seniors can embrace their independence, they are more vulnerable. Unfortunately, slowing down and declining cognitive function is a harsh reality as all of us get older. It’s critical that seniors, and the people who care for them, give a lot of thought to how to best prepare for an emergency. Lives can hang in the balance.

According to aging.com, here are some startling statistics:

  • Adults 75 and older accounted for half the deaths from Hurricane Katrina.
  • In 1995 after a heatwave struck Chicago, nearly 2/3 of the fatalities were adults 65 and older.
  • In a wildfire, people 85+ are four times more likely to die than the total population.

There are a number of reasons why it’s difficult for seniors to prepare for disasters. These include isolation, limited financial resources and problems with mobility.

Also from aging.com, according to a 2012 study, one in six adults over 50 would need help evacuating their homes in an emergency, and nearly 1 in 10 would need help from outside the household. Despite such risks, a 2014 study found that less than a quarter of seniors have made plans for responding to a natural disaster.

Discuss a plan with a support network

Establish a communication plan. Have one person who is a local contact and one that is an out of area contact. Long distance calls may be easier to connect when local disaster areas are impacted.

If living in a senior living community, ask for a copy of the emergency evacuation plan communication strategy. Become familiar with local senior living or nursing homes that offer sub-acute or respite care. A loved one may temporarily need a place to stay or need skilled nursing when recovering from an injury in an event like a natural disaster. Respite rooms are in high demand during a natural disaster so it’s best to know what your options are before there is an emergency.

It’s a good idea to regularly attend community events. New friends and contacts could be part of a communications network in the event of a disaster.

Senior-specific items to remember in an evacuation

  • According to FEMA, older Americans must be prepared with ample supplies for at least three days. 1 gallon of water per person per day. Older Americans can get dehydrated quicker than middle-aged adults.
  • Battery-operated fans to prevent heat exhaustion due to lack of AC.
  • Copy of medical insurance and all prescriptions in dosage/treatment information — consult your pharmacist or doctor to see how you can prepare your medications in the event of a natural disaster.
  • First aid kit.
  • Healthcare supplies such as moist towelettes, sanitation wipes, incontinence supplies, eyeglasses, hearing aids, oxygen, and a folding cane, etc.
  • Nonperishable food and can opener.
  • Flashlight and extra batteries. The elderly population is a trip and fall risk.
  • Wear a medical alert bracelet or pendant. This could save your life.

Older people can contribute in ways younger people can’t.

Seniors have important practical knowledge, knowledge of local services, and extensive social networks. Studies have shown that seniors have been played a big role in the resilience of their communities after a natural disaster.

It makes sense to value their life experience. We owe it to them to make sure they’re ready to respond when something happens.

Get all important papers in order.

Copies of all advanced directives, including DNR. Store the following in a waterproof container – power of attorney documents, wills, bank info, Social Security card, birth certificate, deeds, and medical provider contact information.

Here is a helpful article from AARP on how to how to make sure your valuable survive a cataclysmic event.

Here is a Wall Street Journal article (subscribers only) for individuals who want an easy way for their heirs to access important accounts and documents.

Read about one of the companies The Wall Street Journal article mentions. It covers everything from Living Trusts vs. Wills, what happens to your Google account when you die. It also describes why the rock star Prince left his loved ones with a mess and how it could have been prevented. 

Tech-savvy seniors

Guide To Emergency Preparedness For Seniors including Preparedness Apps you can install in on your Smartphone.

Have your emergency contact list install the same apps. In case phone lines or internet service is unavailable, some of these apps let you communicate with each other.

In addition, investigate solar phone chargers which are sold on Amazon and other outlets. Some type of emergency NOAA weather radio is another smart purchase for up-to-date storm information.

Property damage insurance coverage

Check your coverage and document your valuables — you can even do this with a video camera.

Set up direct deposit for any benefits you may receive like Social Security, Disability or a Pension.