August in Florida means more than just hot afternoons and afternoon thunderstorms. It means hurricane season is kicking into high gear. While the season officially starts in June, August and September are when most hurricanes form and threaten our communities. For seniors living in Florida, now is the most important time to get ready.

Even if you’ve weathered storms before, each hurricane is different, and so is every year. Taking time to prepare, checking your supplies, and updating your plans could be the difference between a safe, comfortable storm season and a stressful, risky one.

In this article, you’ll find:

• Simple, practical steps to protect yourself at home
• Smart tips for those with special medical needs or caregivers
• Where to find trustworthy information and help
• And most importantly, how Happy Mountain Home Care can support you every step of the way

So, let’s get started—because the best time to prepare is before the storm clouds appear.

You may have heard that hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. That’s true, but here’s a fact many people don’t realize: Nearly 80% of hurricanes and major tropical storms in Florida happen in August, September, and early October. The Atlantic waters are warm, the weather patterns are just right, and storms can form quickly.

That means, if you’re reading this now, the clock is ticking. Don’t wait until a hurricane is already on the news to think about what you’ll do or what you need. Take some easy steps today, and you’ll thank yourself later.

Everyone in Florida faces hurricane risks, but older adults have extra challenges:

• Mobility: Getting out quickly can be hard if you use a walker, wheelchair, or have trouble walking.
• Medical Needs: You might rely on medications, oxygen, or other equipment that needs electricity or refills.
• Living Alone: Many seniors live by themselves and may not have someone nearby to help lift heavy things, install storm shutters, or drive in an emergency.
• Stress and Change: Hurricanes can cause worry and confusion, especially for those with memory problems or anxiety.

The good news? Planning ahead is the best way to reduce these risks. With a few simple actions, you can stay safer and more comfortable, no matter what the weather brings.

Here’s a handy checklist, made just for Florida seniors and those who help care for them. (You can print this out and keep it on your fridge!)

1. Know Your Evacuation Zone
   • Florida uses a color-coded system of evacuation zones, from Zone A (most at risk) through Zone F (least at risk).
   • Find your zone now: Call your county emergency management office, or Visit FloridaDisaster.org/knowyourzone
   • If you live in a mobile home, you must evacuate for any hurricane warning—even a Category 1 storm.
2. Update Your Emergency Contacts
   • Write down the phone numbers of family, friends, neighbors, doctors, and your pharmacy.
   • Keep a copy in your wallet, your phone, and taped to the fridge.
   • Let someone you trust know your hurricane plan.
3. Gather Your Supplies – You’ll need at least 7 days’ worth of the following:
   • Bottled water (1 gallon per person, per day)
   • Canned or shelf-stable food
   • Manual can opener
   • Flashlights and extra batteries
   • First aid kit
   • Face masks and hand sanitizer
   • Toilet paper and wipes
   • Clothing, blankets, and sturdy shoes
   • Cash (in case ATMs don’t work)
   • Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, medical info)
   • Don’t forget your pets, have food and a carrier ready for them, too!
4. Prepare Your Medications and Medical Needs
   • Get a 14-day supply of all prescription medicines. Florida law lets you refill early during hurricane warnings.
   • List all your medications and dosages. Keep copies in your emergency kit.
   • If you use medical equipment (oxygen, CPAP, insulin, etc.), ask your doctor or supplier how to prepare if power goes out.
   • Store medications in a waterproof container.
5. Make a Stay-or-Go Plan
   • Decide NOW if you’ll stay home, go to a friend’s or family member’s house, or use a public shelter.
   • If you need transportation or have special medical needs, register for your county’s Special Needs Shelter as soon as possible. This helps emergency workers know you’ll need extra help.
   • Know where your closest shelters are. Many counties also offer pet-friendly shelters but most require advanced registration.
6. Check Your Home
   • Clear the yard of loose items (patio furniture, planters).
   • Install storm shutters or board up windows.
   • Charge your phone and backup batteries.
   • Have a flashlight or battery-powered radio ready for power outages.
7. Stay Informed
   • Sign up for local emergency alerts on your phone or email.
   • Keep a battery-powered radio handy for updates if the power goes out.
   • Listen to weather updates and follow official advice, if you’re told to evacuate, do it right away.

If you get help at home from a caregiver, nurse, or family member, your needs may be a little different:

• Talk to your care team now: Ask your agency about their emergency plans. Let them know if you plan to stay or evacuate.
• Update your care schedule: If a storm is coming, make sure you have enough supplies and medicine until your caregiver can safely return.
• Keep emergency numbers close: Know how to contact your agency or backup care provider.
• Backup for power needs: If you use electric medical equipment, ask about battery backups or generator options. Some utility companies have programs for customers with medical needs, register now if you haven’t already.
  • Vulnerable Population Registry

Florida offers special shelters for people who need extra help—like electricity for medical equipment, help with mobility, or basic medical support.

To use a Special Needs Shelter, you MUST register with your county ahead of time. Vulnerable Population Registry

• Contact your local emergency management office (or visit their website) for details.
• These shelters fill up fast, don’t wait until a hurricane is on the way.

Pets are part of the family, too.

• If you go to a shelter, check if it’s pet-friendly.
• Prepare a kit for your pet: food, water, leash, carrier, medicines, and ID tags.

Isolation can make hurricane season even scarier. Before storms arrive:

• Create a “hurricane buddy system.” Pick a neighbor or friend who will check on you (and you can check on them).
• Let family know your plans. Text or call loved ones before, during, and after a storm—even just to say “I’m OK.”

If phones go down, try sending a text, which often works when calls do not.

Sadly, scammers target seniors before and after hurricanes. Beware of:

• Anyone demanding cash for repairs or supplies upfront
• “Contractors” going door-to-door right after storms
• Emails or phone calls asking for your Social Security or banking info

Only work with trusted companies and official agencies.

• Florida Division of Emergency Management: floridadisaster.org
• AARP Florida Disaster Help: states.aarp.org/florida/fldisasterhelp
• Elder Helpline: 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337)
• Your county emergency management office: Find shelter maps, special needs registration, and local updates on their website. Emergency Emergency Management

Every year, news stories show long lines at stores, crowded highways, and full shelters as hurricanes approach. Seniors who wait to prepare often face:

• Empty shelves and shortages (especially for medicine and supplies)
• Trouble getting help if you change your mind last minute
• More stress and confusion in a crisis

By getting ready in August, you have peace of mind. You can help your family and friends, too. Be a role model for your community!

At Happy Mountain Home Care, we know that hurricanes can feel overwhelming, especially for seniors living alone or with health concerns. That’s why our team is ready to help before, during, and after every storm. Here’s what we can do for you:

• Help you make an emergency plan tailored to your needs
• Assist with gathering supplies, medication management, and evacuation planning
• Ensure you have support and someone to check on you before and after the storm
• Provide in-home care during hurricane season, so you never feel alone

You don’t have to go through hurricane season by yourself.

Call us today at 954-654-8186 or visit www.happymtn.com to learn how Happy Mountain Home Care can keep you safe, healthy, and confident, all year long.

This hurricane season, preparation is the best protection. Take action today, and let Happy Mountain Home Care be your trusted partner, whatever the weather brings.