Hurricane season: Planning steps for those who may need extra help

Special to the Booster

from the American Red Cross

Hurricanes are becoming more intense and more destructive as these storms bring increased rainfall and higher storm surges due to the worsening climate crisis. Of the 10 most costly weather disasters in U.S. history, eight are hurricanes.

These powerful storms not only cause problems for people in coastal areas but can also cause damage hundreds of miles inland. The American Red Cross is preparing to respond if necessary and urges everyone to get ready too.

Decide how to best protect your home from high winds and flooding. Plan how you will evacuate and how you will shelter safely at home. Take three important steps get a kit, make a plan and be informed. Learn more here.

Some people may need extra attention during an emergency. For them, planning ahead is crucial. And don’t forget your pets they depend on you for their safety.

STEPS FOR OLDER ADULTS

Understand how your medical, physical and cognitive needs may affect your ability to respond to an emergency.

Consider what you may need if the power goes out, you have to stay home for two weeks or more, or if you have to evacuate.

What help do you need and who can help you.

Identify helpers include family, friends, neighbors, caregivers and care providers to build your network of people who may be able to assist you or that you can assist.

Meet with your helpers to assess your needs and plan together.

If you require power to operate medical devices or keep medicines cold, make a back-up plan.

Keep at least 30 days of medications and extra items such as a cane or eyeglasses. Plan for your food needs if you follow a special diet.

Get batteries to back up devices that require power.

Keep an up-to-date list of medical information conditions, allergies, medications, prescription records, doctors and insurance cards.

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Mobility, hearing, learning, or seeing disabilities can create specific needs for individuals responding to an emergency.

Create a personal support network and make a plan after thinking about these topics:

Do you regularly need assistance with personal care? Do you use adaptive equipment to help you get dressed? Do you use a shower chair, tub-transfer bench or other similar equipment? Do you use special utensils that help you prepare or eat food independently?

How will you continue to use equipment that runs on electricity.? Do you have a safe back-up power supply and how long will it last?

Do you need a specially equipped vehicle or accessible transportation?

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Do you need help leaving to your home or office? Can you reach and activate an alarm? Will you be able to evacuate independently? How will you call for help to leave the building?

Will you be able to care for your service animal during and after a disaster?

If you use a wheelchair, make exits from your home wheelchair accessible. If you use an electric wheelchair or scooter, have a manual wheelchair for back-up.

Know how to connect and start a back-up power supply for your essential medical equipment.

If you are vision impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, plan ahead for someone to convey essential emergency information to you if you are unable to use the TV or radio.

CREATE A PET EMERGENCY PLAN

The Red Cross encourages people to develop emergency preparedness plans for themselves and their pets. When possible, Red Cross shelter workers will do all they can to accommodate domesticated pets comfortably, however, depending on the situation, pets may need to be housed in a different location. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters.

Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no-pet policies could be waived in an emergency.

Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.

Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.

Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened, have up-to-date identification.

Consider having your pet “microchipped” by your veterinarian.

Create a pet emergency kit place the following items in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container:

Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that they can’t escape.

Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener if your pet eats canned food.

Medications and copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container.

A first aid kit.

Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion.

Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.

Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.

MORE GOOD STEPS TO TAKE

Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Pet owners can download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for more information on how to include pets in emergency preparedness plans and step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies and more. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.