Although many elderly Jamaicans live with relatives or in homes for the aged, there are many more who live alone. Some of them have physical and/or mobility impairments, which may make it difficult or impossible to respond to warnings or evacuation notices. These persons may also be on special diets and receiving medical care. Most of these persons also have reduced or very small incomes.

As Jamaicans, we need to be aware of the special needs of the elderly and plan for them in the event of a hurricane.

Here are just a few things we can do to assist the elderly in our communities…

At the start of the hurricane season:

1. Appoint someone to coordinate disaster preparation in your community, taking special note of the elderly and other vulnerable members in the community.

2. Contact local agencies that deal with the problems of the elderly and request an input in disaster preparedness plans.

3. Locate those elderly in the community whose needs might go unanswered because of their inability to help themselves.

4. Locate elderly homeowners.

5. Determine what resources are in the community to aid the elderly in the event of a hurricane, for instance, transportation for evacuation, food, nursing home facilities, and volunteers to help with evacuation or to stay in the homes of the elderly during the hurricane.

6. Establish disaster education programmes for the elderly.

7. Identify proper shelters for the elderly who may need to be evacuated from their homes or area.

During a hurricane warning:

1. Check the homes of the elderly to find out if they are well built in a safe area.

2. Get volunteers to stay with them.

3. Make sure their homes are secure.

4. Make sure enough water is stored and there are enough non-perishable foods.

5. Check for special medication that may need refilling.

6. Make sure there are lamps, matches, kerosene oil, flashlights, batteries, portable radios, emergency cooking facilities and a simple first-aid kit.

7. If their homes are not safe or if they live in flood-prone areas or where they can be affected by a storm surge, remove them to a shelter or a home where they will be comfortable and safe.

Some elderly persons are like children. During a hurricane they will need extra love, care and reassurance. Some will become very frightened and will panic. It is important that they are kept calm.

If you are an elderly person who lives alone, it would be a good idea to move to the home of a relative or friend. If you prefer to stay at home then you could ask a relative or friend to stay with you during the hurricane. It can be a frightening experience to bear alone. If you plan to stay at home, then carefully follow the hurricane precautions above and others provided by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

Adapted from ODPEM “Hurricane Precautions” booklet. Information provided by ODPEM