I moved back to Florida in February this year to assist in the care of my aunt, who is in a memory care facility, and I was very grateful to find a position with St. Francis Hospice.
I knew assuming any responsibilities for someone’s care would be a tremendous undertaking. In addition to the check-ins and visits, I have to evaluate what type of emergency plan is best, especially in Hurricane season. While I have only ever been responsible for myself, the questions I need to ask and answers are many.
In the event of a hurricane warning, at what category storm do I evacuate? Would I take my aunt with me and my two dogs? What type of “go bag” or emergency provisions should I have for myself or her? What about her medications? So many questions.
It was suggested that I find out about the emergency plans and protocols at her facility. I was told that her building is rated for a Category 5 storm and they have a dedicated team of care professionals on a “ride out” crew. The on-site generator would add an additional sense of security and maintain a moderate level of comfort. Knowing this and choosing to have my aunt stay in place during a storm, I could reassure my siblings that her care would have minimal interruption. This gave me freedom to do what is necessary for my own plans. I have lived most of my life where threat of a hurricane is not uncommon. I have lived in coastal and central Florida, coastal North Carolina, and along the Gulf of Mexico in Alabama, and storm watching and weather alerts are ubiquitous. But theory is not a replacement for practice or planning.
“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” -Alan Lakein
Things to consider
- A list of important contacts in a notes section of my phone, as well as saved to the cloud, accessible from anywhere with internet connection. This includes the names and dosages of my own medications as well as those of my aunt.
- A bag or box of items for my aunt, including printouts of photos of her loved ones, some healthy non-perishable snacks, and an activity book for her interests.
- A rechargeable lamp or flashlight that is easy for my Aunt to operate.
- I have ordered a high quality back up battery/charging station for my devices and will keep them charged in the meantime.
- I will not let my gas tank get below half a tank and plan to keep it fully gassed up when a storm warning is issued.
It is often not the storm itself that causes challenges, but the days after. Disruption to power and supplies is a major obstacle, so not impeding the work of Emergency Services and Utility Line Workers is paramount to get back to normal as quickly as possible.
Knowing I have a plan will take pressure off last minute decisions under duress. Sharing that plan with my own network offers peace of mind and may encourage them to evaluate their own contingency plans. Storms. Welcome back home to Florida.