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William Rambaum, PA Clearwater & Oldsmar Elder Law Attorney
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Hurricane Damage In Clearwater: Recovery Tips For Older Adults

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Residents in Clearwater are used to living with the threat of tropical storms, but the wreckage in the aftermath of two recent back-to-back storms still took many by surprise. Unfortunately, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was busy for Pinellas County, causing devastating damages in some areas.

Older adults are particularly vulnerable when this type of disaster happens. If you are over 60, our Clearwater elder law attorney offers safety tips to help amidst recovery efforts and recommends steps to protect yourself moving forward.

Hurricane Impacts And Recovery Efforts In Pinellas County

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season does not end until November 30, but Pinellas County residents hope the last few weeks of it will go quietly. Many need time to recover from the devastation caused by a trio of storms: Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.

Many communities suffered significant damages, and in the most hard-hit areas, it will likely take a year or longer to recover. Pinellas County Government encourages all residents impacted by the storms to seek disaster relief aid, which is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local and state agencies.

Hurricane recovery is a long, laborious process, as anyone who lives along the Gulf Coast can attest. It is hard on everyone, but particularly for older adults. The U.S. Agency For Community Living offers these safety tips to protect yourself after storms:

  • When driving in hurricane-impacted areas, be alert for damaged roads and downed traffic signals;
  • Keep in mind that resources such as water, electricity, or gas may be limited;
  • Avoid reentering damaged communities or properties until cleared to do so;
  • Get current on medications;
  • Make sure you have birth certificates, marriage licenses, and other essential documents in a safe place.

You may be able to get help from family, friends, neighbors, or local church groups to repair damages and clean up any storm-related mess. If you need to hire someone, be aware that scammers prey on older adults during difficult times. Make sure they have the proper credentials and avoid paying money upfront.

Estate Planning In Clearwater: Protection Against Unexpected Events 

Living along the Gulf Coast, hurricanes pose significant risks. While addressing all the damage done this season, make sure to protect yourself against unexpected events in the future. Our Clearwater elder law attorney recommends these steps:

  • Review all insurance documents;
  • Create a will or update your existing one;
  • Put powers of attorney in place, which designates someone you trust to handle your affairs if you are incapacitated or otherwise unable to;
  • Review advance directives, such as health care surrogates and living wills;
  • Consider creating a trust, which may help in managing your assets and avoiding the delay and cost of a legal proceeding in the event of incapacity or death.

For Caring, Comprehensive Legal Help, Contact Our Clearwater Elder Law Attorney

As an experienced Clearwater elder law attorney, William Raumbaum is licensed through the Florida Bar and certified by the National Elder Law Foundation, something only a select few legal professionals can claim. We provide the caring, comprehensive legal help you need to protect yourself.  To schedule a consultation, call or contact our office online today.

Sources:

pinellas.gov/news/fema-and-local-assistance-available-for-residents-impacted-by-hurricanes-helene-milton/

eldercare.acl.gov/public/resources/brochures/docs/Critical-Conversations-weather-storm-508.pdf

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