We’ve provided Texas home insurance to thousands of clients over the years and one of the most rewarding parts of our job is helping families weather the storm. By making sure our clients are prepared, they can in turn help others ready for the storm as well.
Whether you are getting your plan together for a hurricane, wildfire or other natural disaster, there is one group that needs a little extra TLC. Older citizens are at higher risk during a natural disaster. This could be your aging mom, dad, or neighbor and having a plan in place before disaster strikes could mean saving their life.
Here are few things you need to take extra special care regarding older citizens or those with disability within your circle:
1. Prepare a Disaster Kit
For any family member that lives away and is unable to do so for themselves, go ahead and prepare a disaster kit and overnight bag.
2. Emergency Contact Sheet
This sheet should contain contact information for relatives or emergency contacts. Also include a detailed account of their medical history. Both you and your family member need to have this sheet on hand.
3. Medication List
Make sure you have an up-to-date list of all medications they are currently taking along with the dosages and intake instructions. Also, have the refill numbers for all medications listed. If you are notified of a threat in enough time, go ahead and make sure they have medication to last 2-3 weeks.
4. Basic Needs List
Go over their day-to-day activities list to discover any basic needs that you may be unaware of such as hearing aids and batteries, dietary-friendly food, etc.
5. Assess Mobility Needs
Consider whether or not mobility is an issue in light of a possible evacuation. Do they need a walker, cane or wheel chair? Do you have a collapsible wheel chair on hand? Consider making travel arrangements in advance to minimize strain as physical exertion may aggravate an existing medical condition.
We hope these tips will give you an idea of how you can meet the needs of those who cannot do for themselves in the event of a disaster. Providing Texas home insurance and peace of mind to families across the state is definitely fulfilling; watching our clients turn around and help others in a state of need is just icing on the cake!