Hurricane season is officially here, are you ready for it? Annual Atlantic hurricane season starts from June 1 and will end on November 30. This is also the time when coastal resorts lower their rates to “incredibly affordable” that even your grandkid could afford to pay for the family’s vacation! These resorts are the ones built on the Caribbean islands, some parts of Mexico, Gulf and Atlantic coasts and Florida.

As the month of May rolled by; and June officially rolled in, some communities and cities are helping their local residents especially their senior locals to prepare for the hurricane season. Particularly, new projects were developed by community leaders in Florida for seniors who they deem are the most vulnerable ones during this season. Local government of the said state also offers assistance during hurricane season for older adults.

Although last year’s was considered as the fourth most active since 1944, experts believe that this year’s a slower and gentler one; rising a little above the average, give and take. By the way, these dates do not imply that hurricanes only occur during these times; hurricanes and storms can occur even outside of the said dates, only they are found out to cluster around June to November. However, even if there are no indications of the hurricane season being violent this year and as destructive as last year’s, we should still prepare for it. Here are some tips for seniors and their caregivers:

1. The emergency kit. Review your list and prepare them when you have time—and I mean soon, not later, not tomorrow or the next day. You will never know when a hurricane will hit so it is best to prepare than be sorry.
2. Your important documents should be kept safe and dry so it is best to place them in resealable, waterproof plastic bags.
3. For the caregiver, it is important to prepare an emergency plan if the calamity strikes. You should know at once when, where and how to carefully transfer your ward to a safe place without inducing too much harm to the patient’s body. If you are having problem with this, visit some organizations that can help and assist you when the need arises such as American Red Cross.
4. You should also take note of weather forecasts and weather news. If you are already having a bad feeling over a heavy rain then don’t hesitate to heed the call. Sometimes, gut feel is stronger than any weather prediction there is.
5. An extra help is always better than doing it all on your own. Whether you are a senior living alone, or a sole caregiver living with your ward, seeking help from your neighbors is always a good idea for seniors. It will enable you to move faster and more efficiently.
6. When a hurricane warning is issued, it usually has more or less, 24 hours before the anticipated strike. Almost always, residents are advised to evacuate the area and it is wise to do it while you still have clear roads to go through.
7. Always remember to stock up your water supply before a hurricane strike so you will not have a hard time if the water goes unavailable after the hit.
8. Evacuation routes will be provided by your local government. Follow them to safer areas.
9. Don’t forget to secure your house before you leave. Lower down shutters before leaving.
10. Don’t try to go back to your home unless authorities announce it to be safe.