Hurricane Precautions for the Elderly

Although many elderly persons around the world live with relatives or in homes for the aged, many others live on their own. Some of them are too ill to look after themselves properly and are often unable to move about freely because of mobility impairments. These can make it difficult or impossible for the elderly person to respond to warnings or evacuation notices.

• If your loved one is in a home for the elderly, contact local agencies that deal with the problems of the elderly and request to read their disaster preparedness plans
• Determine what resources are in the community to aid the elderly in the event of a hurricane. Take into consideration transportation for evacuation, food, nursing home facilities, and volunteers to help with evacuation or to stay in the homes of the elderly during the hurricane.
• Establish a disaster education programs for your elderly loved one or their care taking facility
• Identify proper shelters for the elderly who may need to be evacuated from their homes or areas.

Pets

• Plan to take your pet with you in the event of an evacuation. Pets that are released or left behind often become victims of starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, accidents, or exposure to the elements.
• Make sure animals have ID tags on them. Three weeks of supplies is not excessive for humans or pets.
• Proof of current vaccinations will be required for housing animals in many facilities. Make sure you have copies stored in a waterproof container with other supplies so you don't forget to take them.
• Maintain current photos of your property and animals.
• Make sure you have a plan that is effective during the times when you are separated from your pets. During the Hurricane Watch period (24-36 hour threat of hurricane conditions) keep tabs on local hurricane progress reports, double check your pet's emergency supplies and load them, and make sure you have your evacuation vehicles fueled and in working order.
• Anchor outside objects that cannot be brought inside to avoid injury to animals, humans, or property.
• Flood conditions or storm surges are threats to animals. Provide a way for them to escape and climb to safety.
• Use wire crates to transport and house smaller animals since they provide better ventilation and fold up easily for storage and transport.
• Provide shade along with water for animals. If an animal does not eat initially, don't worry too much—stressed animals often avoid food.
• Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to return.
• Use caution when returning home and walking on higher ground since insects, snakes, and other animals may have found refuge there.
• Hurricane winds can extend inland for hundreds of miles and can trigger tornados, flooding, landslides, and storm surges. Keep alert and pay attention to warnings.
• Make sure that your pets are current on their vaccinations.  Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines.
• Have a current photograph
• Keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand to control your pet.
• Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each animal - carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand and turn around.
• Plan your evacuation strategy and don't forget your pet!  Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harm's way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster.
• If you plan to shelter your pet - work it into your evacuation route planning.

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