Hurricane Season
Florida is still reeling from the catastrophic damage of the 2017 hurricane season, but the new season has already arrived. Subtropical Storm Alberto made landfall in the Florida Panhandle on Memorial Day, bringing with it heavy rains and flash flooding. While those in St. Augustine were spared the brunt of the storm, Mother Nature has much more in store.
What to Expect
The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season officially began June 1, and it’s expected to last through November 30. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), storm frequency is likely to be normal or above-normal, although it’s still too early to accurately predict the true ferocity of the hurricane season. Here are the current predictions:
- Above-normal season – 35 percent
- Near-normal season – 40 percent
- Below-normal season – 25 percent
NOAA also offered an estimate of the number of storms and their severity:
In other words, the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma, Maria and Harvey does not guarantee a calm hurricane season in 2018. On the other hand, NOAA is not predicting any sort of doomsday scenario.1
How Seniors Can Prepare
Many Floridians took issue with the way the state handled the 2017 hurricane season, and the most pressing calls for reform 
Investigate your community – As of March 2018, many senior living communities, including assisted living residences and skilled nursing facilities, are required by law to have a backup generator. The generator must have enough fuel to keep the power running for 48 to 72 hours, depending on the type and size of the community, and the temperature must remain at or below 81 degrees for 96 hours after the power goes out. Make sure any community you join complies with these rules by the July 1, 2018 deadline.2
Develop an evacuation plan – Roads become congested quickly once hurricane warnings are broadcast, so you should map out your route now. Familiarize yourself with your evacuation options and fill up your gas tank. See if you can stay with a family member or friend’s house or purchase a hotel room out of harm’s way. If you have specific medical needs, try to get pre-admitted to a facility that can accommodate them.
Have a pet plan – Many evacuation facilities, such as hospitals, will not allow your pet inside unless they are a service 
Get flood insurance – If you own property, make sure potential flood damage is covered by purchasing separate flood insurance. Most policies do not offer coverage until a month after purchase, so don’t wait too long.
Additional information about hurricane preparedness can be found in the American Red Cross “Disaster Preparedness For Seniors By Seniors” PDF or at FloridaDisaster.org.
Stay Prepared at Silver Creek
We understand that hurricane season may cause some concern for our residents and their loved ones, but you can rest assured that our caregivers have residents’ best interests at heart, especially during an emergency. Silver Creek offers assisted living, memory care and respite care, so we’re well equipped to care for seniors with a wide range of medical needs. We also provide quality on-site services and amenities, such as dining options, a salon and a wellness clinic. Contact us online or call today at 800-940-0988 to schedule a community visit.
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2 http://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article206911334.html
