Every year, Florida residents prepare for hurricane season. While everyone should have a storm plan, seniors face unique challenges that require additional preparation. Mobility limitations, medical conditions, medications, power-dependent equipment, and transportation concerns can quickly turn a hurricane into a medical emergency if proper planning isn’t in place.

At EasyLiving, we’ve helped countless families prepare before storms arrive. One lesson stands above all others:

The best hurricane plan is the one you make before there’s a hurricane in the Gulf.

Whether you’re an older adult living independently, an adult child helping aging parents, or a caregiver, this guide will help you prepare for hurricane season with confidence.

Why Hurricanes Are More Dangerous for Seniors

For many older adults, the hurricane itself isn’t always the biggest threat.

It’s what happens before and after the storm.

Common challenges include:

• Power outages affecting oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, hospital beds, or refrigerated medications
• Difficulty evacuating quickly
• Running out of medications
• Increased fall risk from debris or darkness
• Isolation after the storm
• Interrupted medical care
• Lack of food or clean water
• Confusion or anxiety for individuals living with dementia

Planning ahead can prevent many of these situations.

Build a Senior Hurricane Emergency Kit

Every senior should have enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least seven days.

Essential Items

Medications

Keep at least a one-week supply of:

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medications
• Vitamins
• Medical supplies
• Extra eyeglasses
• Hearing aid batteries

Store medications in waterproof containers.

Medical Information

Keep printed copies of:

• Medication list
• Medical diagnoses
• Physician contact information
• Insurance cards
• Medicare information
• Emergency contacts
• Advance directives
• Power of Attorney documents

Don’t rely solely on your phone.

Food and Water

Plan for:

• One gallon of water per person each day
• Shelf-stable foods
• Easy-to-open meals
• Protein bars
• Peanut butter
• Crackers
• Meal replacement shakes

Don’t forget manual can openers.

Power Supplies

Pack:

• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Portable phone chargers
• Battery banks
• Battery-powered radio

If you depend on electricity for medical equipment, discuss backup power options with your equipment provider long before hurricane season.

Know Your Evacuation Zone

One of the biggest mistakes families make is waiting until an evacuation order is issued.

Find out:

• Your evacuation zone
• Nearby shelters
• Pet-friendly shelters
• Special needs shelters
• Multiple evacuation routes

If you rely on public transportation or cannot drive, arrange transportation well in advance.

Seniors With Dementia Need Additional Planning

Storms can be especially frightening for someone living with dementia.

Prepare by:

• Keeping familiar routines when possible
• Packing comfort items
• Bringing family photos
• Labeling belongings
• Having identification bracelets available
• Keeping recent photographs

Changes in the environment often increase confusion.

Planning ahead helps reduce anxiety for everyone.

Don’t Forget Medical Equipment

If you use:

• Oxygen
• CPAP
• Wheelchairs
• Walkers
• Lift chairs
• Hospital beds

Have a backup plan.

Questions to ask now:

• What happens if the power goes out?
• Is there battery backup?
• How long will it last?
• Where can replacement equipment be obtained?

Preparing Your Home Before the Storm

Simple steps can reduce damage and improve safety.

Inside

• Charge all devices
• Freeze water bottles to help keep food cold
• Fill prescriptions
• Move important documents into waterproof containers
• Set refrigerators to the coldest setting

Outside

• Bring in patio furniture
• Secure garbage cans
• Trim loose branches
• Protect windows if appropriate
• Move vehicles to higher ground if flooding is expected

Family Communication Plan

Every family should know:

• Who checks on Mom?
• Who calls Dad?
• Who has house keys?
• Where everyone will meet?
• Which relatives live outside Florida?

Text messages often work when phone calls do not.

Choose one out-of-state contact that everyone can update.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

One of the biggest mistakes we see every hurricane season is waiting until supplies disappear.

When a storm enters the Gulf:

• Grocery shelves empty.
• Gas stations run dry.
• Pharmacies become crowded.
• Home care schedules fill quickly.

Planning in June is much easier than scrambling in September.

How Home Care Can Help During Hurricane Season

Professional caregivers can provide valuable assistance before a storm arrives.

They can help with:

• Grocery shopping
• Prescription pickup
• Preparing emergency supplies
• Organizing important paperwork
• Home safety checks
• Mobility assistance
• Family communication
• Monitoring after the storm

For seniors aging in place, having extra support before and after a hurricane can make a tremendous difference.

What Adult Children Should Ask

If your parents live in Florida, ask these questions today:

• Do you have enough medications?
• Where is your emergency kit?
• Do you know your evacuation zone?
• Who will help if you’re told to evacuate?
• Do you have enough food and water?
• Are important documents protected?
• Is your phone fully charged?
• Who will check on you after the storm?

If they can’t confidently answer these questions, now is the time to help.

EasyLiving’s Hurricane Preparedness Commitment

At EasyLiving, we know hurricane season doesn’t just bring wind and rain. It brings uncertainty for families caring for aging loved ones.

Our team works with clients before storms arrive to help ensure they have medications, emergency supplies, communication plans, and the support needed to remain as safe as possible.

Preparation saves lives.

Don’t wait until a storm is on the news to start planning.

If you or a loved one could benefit from professional care management or home care services during hurricane season, our team is here to help.

Ready to Prepare?

Hurricane season is unpredictable, but your plan doesn’t have to be.

Call EasyLiving today to learn how our Care Managers and Home Care professionals can help you or your loved one stay safe before, during, and after the next storm.