Tag Archives: severe weather

Managing caregiving tasks can be difficult even on a normal day, let alone during a severe weather event.

This is my annual reminder to make sure you and your loved ones are prepared for severe weather events. Growing up in California, I learned about earthquake safety both at school and home. When my parents retired to Ruidoso, New Mexico, they learned about the threat of wildfires. In Georgia, I deal with flooding and power outages due to thunderstorms.

Being prepared and having a plan is critical. The American Red Cross offers good tips on preparing for severe weather events. The Alzheimer’s Association offers an emergency preparation resource for those caring for loved ones with dementia.

• Keep a printout of important information, such as phone numbers, medical history, prescriptions, etc. in case you lose power and your devices die.
• Create a well-stocked first aid kit, personalized for any specific medical needs
• Maintain a power source. Keep extra batteries on hand for flashlights and emergency radios. I keep a mobile generator for short-term power outages so that at least I can keep my phone charged. I set a monthly reminder to charge it to make sure it’s fully charged in case of an emergency. It also came with solar panels as an alternative charging option. If you can afford it, a larger generator that can power medical devices could be a life-saving choice.
• Create an evacuation plan for loved ones, taking into consideration their medical needs. Make note of local resources that may be able to assist with things like transportation, temporary housing, etc.
• Don’t forget about the pets. Loved ones may be reluctant to leave their home if they think they will have to leave their pets behind. Research pet-friendly shelters and hotels.
• Make sure everyone understands their role in a severe weather event, from care recipients, to hands-on caregivers to long distance caregivers. Communication is key.
• Have a plan in place if your loved one’s home is destroyed by a severe weather event.
• Make sure your loved one’s medical care wishes are documented.

Image generated by Microsoft Copilot.