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Where Do Assisted Living Patients Go During Hurricane Evacuations?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
With over a decade of dedicated experience, Andrea Miller boasts an extensive background in healthcare writing and editing. Her expertise spans various facets of the healthcare industry, with a particular focus on nursing, senior care, Alzheimer’s disease, and public health. Andrea has also contributed her editorial talents to reputable publishers in the Philadelphia region, complementing her extensive freelance work.
When asking, ‘Where do assisted living patients go during hurricane evacuations?’ It’s important to note that these patients are typically relocated to the city or state’s designated hurricane evacuation shelter. This ensures their safety and care continuity during such emergencies. Shelters include hotels or sister communities outside the evacuation zone. Churches, community centers and schools also provide hurricane shelters in an emergency.
When do assisted living patients have to evacuate during a hurricane?
State laws require nursing homes and assisted living facilities to have disaster plans in place. These documents list the available hurricane shelter locations in the immediate area and detail the transportation plan for residents. They also state how the community will proceed in an ordered evacuation.
What should assisted living patients do to stay safe during a hurricane?
Assisted living residents stay safe in a hurricane by following the advice of agencies such as FEMA. Make a list of people you can call in a weather emergency, focusing on family members and others in your support network, so you’ll have help getting to a safe place. Download the official FEMA app to keep track of conditions in your area. It also lets you search for nearby shelters and sign up for emergency alerts.
If you have a chronic health condition, wear a medical alert bracelet, and make sure you have fully charged battery backups for medical devices, such as hearing aids, wheelchairs and oxygen machines. Store health-related paperwork, including insurance ID cards, in a safe place, and bring it along if you have to evacuate. Consider making a Vial of Life, which gathers your important documents and alerts first responders about your critical medical information in a natural disaster.