Apart from providing the best living conditions to the residents, hurricane preparedness in assisted living communities is also expected. The ability to keep everyone safe in the midst of disaster is really a must-know for all who are seeking for the best living community for you or your loved ones. Here are some of the details you should look into when it comes to how an assisted living community prepares for hurricane season.
Information about Hurricane Risk
A retirement community needs to inform you about the risk of hurricane in the area. You should be informed of the procedures done by the administration and team members when there is a threat of hurricane occurrence. You have to know the policies and measures that are to be implemented during emergency situations.
Sheltering Plan
Even when the threat of hurricane is at hand, it is difficult to convince some residents to evacuate because almost no one wants to leave the comforts of their homes. That is why an assisted living community must have a sheltering plan at hand that is needed to be discussed to all the residents. Proper communication must be done so everyone will know how and where to access basic necessities such as water, food, and medicine. Assisted living communities must also have an alternative source of electricity in case of power outage. The team members of the retirement community must be trained what to do during emergency situations and most importantly, they have to be alert in doing necessary actions that may arise during the hurricane season.
Evacuation Plan
Aside from discussing the sheltering plan, it is of utmost importance to communicate the evacuation plan to the residents. There has to be a clear and concise evacuation protocol that team members and residents can easily follow. This includes how to get the residents to a safer place, which transportation to use, where the alternative shelter is, and how far and safe travel will be. Most importantly, administrators have a way to communicate with the family of the residents.
The list above are the responsibilities of the administrators. Residents also have responsibilities as well in preparing for the hurricane season.
Keep Yourself Updated
As a resident, it is your responsibility to be aware of what is happening around you. You may keep yourself updated about the alerts and warning about the hurricane. Make it a habit to check the weather forecast and talk to the staff about the possibilities and protocols for evacuation.
Check Your Home’s Condition
Make sure that your home is well-maintained, but you don’t have to do the task by yourself. You can ask someone to clean the gutters and drains for you. Team members in the retirement community can do or hire someone to clear your surroundings and check your shutters.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
It is best to have an emergency kit that contains essential items just in case you need to evacuate. This should include the basic first aid kit, food, medicine, and other items to help you get by during these emergencies.
