The biggest natural disaster risks for Houston include flooding and hurricanes. As hurricane season gets underway, according to Rice University Kinder Institute for Urban Research, 90% of Houstonians aren’t ready for a hurricane. At The Hallmark, we believe the best way to deal with any emergency is with a plan. That’s why emergency preparedness for seniors is so important and should include a disaster evacuation plan and an emergency kit. If you’re in the process of creating an emergency preparedness plan, let’s look at 10 ways to prepare for a natural disaster.

“At The Hallmark, we plan through everything. We’ve been through hurricanes, power outages, even snow. When disaster strikes, our team moves in and we’re here through the emergency.”

– Tim List, Executive Director, The Hallmark

Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults

While flooding and hurricanes come with some warning, following the disaster preparation steps below will ensure you’re ready for most types of weather emergencies. Once you establish a plan, it’s important to update it as your needs change.

How To Create an Emergency Plan

The time to plan is before you need it. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

• Make an emergency communications plan: Create a group text or a phone tree (where you call one person, who then calls the next person, and so on) to ensure your friends and family know what is happening. Be sure you have everyone’s current number and that they have your phone number, and the numbers of nearby friends or neighbors. Put an extra copy of these in a travel wallet, purse or suitcase.
• Choose an evacuation meeting place: Pick two meeting places — one close to home and another outside your neighborhood. Check that everyone has the address and phone number of the meeting location.
• Be aware of local emergency planning: Get the community disaster plan for your area. Learn where evacuees go for medical care or emergency supplies of medications. Get a map of evacuation routes to keep in your car.
• Review mock-disaster scenarios: When it comes to being disaster-ready, which activity is the most effective way to prepare for an emergency? Practice, practice, practice. Be sure to go over your emergency plan regularly with family and friends to make sure you’re ready.
• Get a medical ID bracelet: If you have chronic health problems, consider ordering a medical ID bracelet or pendant. Information on medical conditions, allergies, medications and emergency contacts can be engraved on its surface.

“At The Hallmark, we have a pretty extensive disaster plan. We use an all-hazards approach so even if something happens that we couldn’t foresee, we have plans for all parts of the operation.”

– Tim List, Executive Director, The Hallmark

Create an Emergency Medical Kit

Be sure to include the items below in your preparedness kit.

• Medications: A three to six day supply of your medications, along with an up-to-date medication list that includes the names (brand and generic) of any drugs you’re taking and the doses. An insulated bag big enough to hold a two-week supply of any medications that require refrigeration, such as insulin. Keep ice packs in the freezer for your emergency medical kit.
• Medical equipment and necessities: Include items such as blood sugar monitoring equipment, a blood pressure cuff, hearing aids/hearing aid batteries, and an extra pair of eyeglasses and dentures.
• Treatment information: Ask your health care provider for copies of your medical records and lists of all active medical conditions and how they’re being treated.
• First Aid kit: The Red Cross provides a comprehensive list of what to pack in a first aid kit. They also sell prepackaged kits.
• Basic hygiene products: Soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, baby wipes and a few trash bags.

Make a Disaster Supplies Kit

While you may be able to get supplies during a disaster, it’s always helpful to have these on hand.

• Water: Plan for at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
• Food: At least a three-day supply of canned and dried foods that won’t spoil. Juices, soups and high-protein shakes may be particularly helpful.
• Basic supplies: A manual can opener, flashlight, battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, batteries, waterproof matches, knife, resealable plastic bags, tin foil, disposable cups, plates, utensils, basic cooking utensils, emergency whistle, and cellphone with chargers, battery bank or solar charger.
• Maps: Pack local and regional maps in case your cell phone service or the electricity is out and you’re unable to access your map apps.
• Change of clothing and blankets: Pack a complete set of weather appropriate clothing per person including sturdy shoes. Also include one blanket per person.
• Contact info : Have the phone numbers and addresses of friends and relatives you might need to contact, your health care provider and any specialists you see.
• Key papers: Carry extra copies of Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance documents. Include copies of your credit and identification cards.
• Cash: When the electricity is out, it’s a good idea to have at least $50 on hand (or as much as you can).

Benefits of Maintenance-Free Living at The Hallmark

At The Hallmark, every department of our team revaluates our emergency preparedness plan annually, working through a variety of scenarios to ensure every possibility is accounted for. “The Hallmark has three generators and we’re currently upsizing, so that everything in the community — every outlet and every air conditioner — will be fully generated,” says List,

“We have plans that included everything from storm preparation through clean-up and needed repairs. After we do our review, state surveyors and the fire marshal also look it over.

One of the biggest benefits of our community is knowing you have a community of support to help you deal with all emergencies, providing you and your family with real peace of mind.”

“What impressed me about the whole thing with Hurricane Beryl is I could not believe the staff, from the top on down, came in and took over. They delivered our meals to our rooms. We even had the CEO deliver us dinner one night. And they were always telling us what was going on and what we could expect. I don’t think it could be better than it was. Especially considering the rest of Houston and what they were going through. I didn’t have to worry about getting something fixed that was broken. You just call downstairs, and they come fix it. I had the security that everything was going to be OK. It’s a beautiful place to live.”

– Theresa F., Resident, The Hallmark

Make The Hallmark Part of Your Preparedness Plan

To learn how The Hallmark prioritizes safety, security and peace of mind, especially when it matters most, call us at 346-223-9741 or contact us here.

Featured Image: SpeedShutter / Shutterstock