Are you aware that with hurricane season in full swing in the state of Florida, the importance of the safety, security, and preparedness of you, your children and your aging parents cannot be overstated? Hurricanes not only pose risks of personal injury but can also lead to home damage and potentially leave you, your children and your aging parents trapped and cut off from vital resources. We want to help you navigate this season successfully for yourself, your children and your aging parents by considering implementing these four suggestions to help keep you and your family protected and well-prepared:
You and your aging parents need to create a comprehensive hurricane plan now, not when the hurricane is coming. Having a well-thought-out plan before a hurricane is crucial. Instead of scrambling at the last minute, be sure you are equipped with a comprehensive plan that outlines what steps you, your children and your aging parents need to take in case of emergency. This includes maintaining open lines of communication with family members, neighbors and friends. If a hurricane makes landfall in your vicinity, you need to know the evacuation route, mode of transportation, and who you can rely on for transportation if needed. Be sure to have a readily accessible record of important contact information for you and your family and for your aging parents in order to reach out to emergency contacts efficiently.
You and your aging parents need to be prepared now, not later. Procrastination when it comes to hurricane preparation is not recommended. Instead, you need to have an over-prepared mindset. You and your aging parents should have a travel bag in advance containing essentials such as clothing and several days’ worth of medications. This precaution ensures that your family and your aging parents are ready to leave at a moment’s notice without compromising the well-being of everyone.
You and your aging parents need to each build a comprehensive emergency kit. If staying in your home becomes necessary, having a well-equipped emergency kit is imperative. This kit should include items that can sustain your family and your aging parents until help arrives. Stock it with a three-day supply of essentials like bottled water, non-perishable canned foods, a can opener, candles, strike-anywhere matches, flashlights, and an ample supply of batteries. Be sure to request additional refills of any daily medications your family may need but especially what your aging parents may need and have an emergency contact list printed and readily available for quick reference.
You and your aging parents must safeguard your Florida estate planning documents. As you ready your family and your aging parents for hurricane season, remember to secure your and your aging parents’ estate planning documents. Make sure your originals are safely stored in a waterproof and fireproof container. This includes important papers like wills, trusts, power of attorney documents, and health care directives. Additionally, consider having digital copies stored securely in the cloud, ensuring that these critical documents remain accessible regardless of the physical circumstances.
By incorporating the suggestions stated above into your hurricane preparedness strategy, you can significantly increase your chances of staying safe and comfortable during the hurricane season. Keep in mind that preparation is a continual process, and taking the initiative to plan ahead will empower you to navigate challenging situations with confidence.
While it is entirely possible that the Florida hurricane season may pass without any significant impact, being prepared remains a valuable and proactive approach. Equipping yourself with the skills and resources to protect you, your children and your aging parents against unforeseen events is a fundamental step towards safety and security. As you continue to enhance the preparedness of your family and your aging parents, remember that our office is here to provide guidance and answer any questions you may have. If you require further assistance or have inquiries, do not hesitate to reach out to our office. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
We know this article may raise more questions than it answers. At Britton G. Swank, P.A., our mission is to guide you in the right direction to help you provide for yourself and your loved ones no matter what the future holds. We want to help you control the assets you have, leave them to people and causes you care about, when you want, in the way you want. We can help you take care of yourself and those you love in the event of disability due to illness, injury or old age. No matter what risks unfold, we can help give you the comfort of knowing you are prepared. We want you to feel good about your future and the future of your loved ones. We encourage you to contact us and schedule a meeting.