Living far from a loved one can make winter weather feel more stressful, since you can’t simply drive over when a storm hits. Ice and snow can bring down tree limbs and cause power outages.
A written storm preparedness plan for seniors, set up before the first storm, helps families arrange regular check-ins. It also clarifies who will visit and how updates will be shared. Senior Helpers North Raleigh shares how to put one together.
Agree on Check-In Times Before Bad Weather
Pick specific times for calls, and keep them consistent. Morning and evening calls can help you notice if the house feels unusually cold or the lights are not working. Many families prefer these times for regular check-ins.
Decide what happens when your loved one doesn’t answer. For example, you might agree on how long to wait, when to try again, and who to contact next.
Write the steps down and share a copy with everyone involved, including your loved one. This way, everyone knows what to do during an outage, even if phone batteries are running low.
Recruit People Who Live Close By
Think about who lives nearby and already knows your loved one, such as a neighbor, a friend from a faith community, or a former coworker. Ask each person directly whether they’d be comfortable checking in during a storm, and swap phone numbers.
If someone nearby has a key, they may be able to help in an emergency. Agreeing on this ahead of time takes some of the pressure off you when you can’t be there.
Prepare the House and Phone: Storm Preparedness for Seniors
A few simple preparations can make a storm easier for older adults to manage. These steps are part of a storm preparedness plan for seniors. Consider:
- A charged battery pack for the phone.
- A battery-powered radio.
- A printed list of important phone numbers, kept somewhere easy to find, in case the phone dies.
- Flashlights and extra blankets.
Ready.gov has a planning page for older adults that covers building a support network and a kit.
You can also look over its winter weather page, which lists supplies such as flashlights and blankets. Going through the lists together on a video call can help you see what’s already in the house.
Watch the Forecast From Wherever You Are
Set up weather alerts on your own phone for your loved one’s location so you hear about a warning at the same time as the people who live nearby. When a winter storm watch is posted, that’s a good cue to call, confirm supplies, and remind the neighbors who agreed to help.
When the forecast looks serious, consider whether your loved one should stay somewhere else for a night or two. They could stay with a family member or friend.
After the storm passes, talk it through together. Ask what worked and what felt confusing, then adjust the plan before the next one.
Local Storm Support From Senior Helpers North Raleigh
Every storm preparedness plan for seniors needs at least one person who is actually in town. Senior Helpers North Raleigh offers in-home care for older adults across North Raleigh, Wake Forest, Rolesville, and Knightdale.
When storms are approaching, our caregivers can make scheduled visits, help gather supplies, and pick up groceries. They can also provide companionship and send updates to family members who live out of town. Contact us to add a local caregiver to your check-in plan.