Hurricane season starts June 1 and many local residents are starting to wonder what they can do to avoid a disaster.
Hurricane Preparedness Week was last week and multiple agencies and government groups got involved to help resident get ready.
The local Home Instead Senior Care office of Boynton Beach, a provider of non-medical, in-home care for seniors, has developed a disaster safety preparation checklist, designed to help keep seniors safe when disaster strikes.
Linsey Carsey, spokeswoman for Home Instead Care, said older adults might be among the most vulnerable victims when disasters strike.
Carsey said the checklist includes staying abreast of what’s going on through local radio or television, making a list of what would be needed during a hurricane and seniors evacuating sooner rather than later.
The checklist also includes scheduling a family meeting with family or neighbors, having more than one evacuation way out of their homes and communities, and having at least one month supply of medication on at all times.
Having nonperishable food on hand is a suggestion on the list for seniors and people of all ages.
David Florance, owner of the Home Instead Office serving Palm Beach County, said a disaster could be deadly for some seniors because of physical and other limitations.
Preparing for the potential hurricanes is not just a job for seniors.
Wayne Segal, spokesman for the city of Boynton Beach, said he is putting together a hurricane guide that will be on the city’s Web site at www.Boynton-Beach.org.
Segal said the guide would include local gas stations equipped with generators and would be up by June 1.
“It will also have a list of Palm Beach Publix stores, utility guidelines, important phone numbers, a list for a supplies kit and how to help children cope with disasters,” he said.
Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.