Living in Florida offers beautiful weather and sunny skies—most of the year. But as hurricane season approaches, it’s important for Florida seniors to be prepared. Storms can develop quickly and have serious consequences, especially for older adults who may have mobility, medical, or communication challenges. Here are five essential steps every Florida senior should take to stay safe and ready with hurricane preparation.

1. Build a Hurricane Emergency Kit with Your Needs in Mind

Start by gathering supplies well before a storm is on the radar. Your kit should include:

  • A 3 to 7-day supply of medications and a printed list of prescriptions

  • Non-perishable food and at least one gallon of water per person per day

  • A flashlight, batteries, and a battery-powered radio

  • Medical equipment, hearing aids with extra batteries, and mobility aids

  • Important documents (ID, insurance, medical records) in a waterproof folder

  • Comfort items like extra clothes, blankets, and toiletries
    If you have pets, be sure to include their food, medications, and documents too.

2. Register with Florida’s Special Needs Shelter Program

Florida offers a Special Needs Shelter Registry for individuals who need assistance during evacuations. If you:

  • Depend on oxygen

  • Use a walker, wheelchair, or other equipment

  • Need help with daily activities

Then you should register in advance with your county emergency management office. This ensures you’ll have access to a shelter that can support your health and safety.

3. Secure Your Home and Outdoor Areas

Even mild hurricanes can bring damaging winds and flooding. Take time to:

  • Bring in patio furniture, potted plants, and garden tools

  • Install storm shutters or board up windows

  • Make sure your home insurance is up to date

  • Consider having a handyman or neighbor help with heavy lifting or roof checks
    Also, prepare for possible power outages by keeping your refrigerator and freezer set to the coldest setting before a storm.

4. Plan Ahead for Evacuation

Know your evacuation zone (Florida has A–E zones) and transportation options if you don’t drive. Make a plan with:

  • Family or neighbors who can assist you

  • Your local senior center or home care provider

  • Emergency shelters near you
    If evacuation becomes necessary, leave early to avoid traffic and ensure you get to a safe place before conditions worsen.

5. Stay Informed and Stay Connected

Florida’s weather can shift quickly, so stay updated by:

  • Listening to local news or weather radio stations

  • Signing up for county alert systems or text alerts

  • Keeping your phone charged and having a backup battery pack
    Check in regularly with family members or neighbors so someone knows your location and status during the storm.

Final Thoughts:
As a Florida senior, you’ve likely weathered a few storms before—but preparation is always key. With the right steps in place, you’ll reduce stress and stay safe no matter what the forecast brings. Don’t wait until a storm is on the way—start preparing today.

If you or someone you know is interested in care management or home healthcare services in South Florida, FirstLantic can help. We are locally owned and operated, providing our patients with the highest quality in-home care services in Fort Lauderdale (Broward County), as well as in-home care services in Delray Beach (Palm Beach County), North Miami (Miami-Dade) and Jupiter (Treasure Coast) since 2000. Click here to contact us.