When Disaster Strikes: How Friends And Family Can Protect Older Adults In Clearwater

Clearwater is open for business after Hurricane Helene, a CAT4 storm that landed in Florida’s Big Bend in September 2024. While spared some of the worst impacts, many places here and throughout Pinellas County still saw destructive winds, deadly storm surges, and widespread flooding.

Cleanup efforts continue as Gulf Coast residents brace for additional storms that may be headed our way between now and the end of the Atlantic hurricane season. Ensuring that older loved ones are safe is a concern for many Clearwater residents. Our Clearwater elder law attorney offers preparedness tips to help aging friends or family deal with a major storm or other disasters.

Hurricanes And Other Natural Disasters Prove Devastating For Older Adults

Clearwater businesses have made progress cleaning up after Hurricane Helene. Most reopened, but a September 30, 2024, WFLA News 8 report states that visitors are still encouraged to stay away for now as local officials ensure residents have what they need.

If you have older adult friends or family members in Clearwater, you are likely concerned for their well-being. According to the Pinellas Community Foundation, people over 60 represent nearly a third of the population. While they generally enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle, a hurricane or other natural disaster puts them at risk. Problems they are likely to encounter that could prove devastating include:

• Increased stress and anxiety, aggravating underlying conditions;
• Limitations that prevent them from taking precautions to protect themselves, such as boarding up their homes or stocking up on food and bottled water;
• Being unable to drive or otherwise evacuate in a major storm;
• Greater likelihood of injuries and accidental drownings;
• Lacking needed prescription medication and other difficulties in the aftermath of a storm.

Protecting Older Adults Against Hurricanes and Other Disasters In Clearwater

Pinellas County is a frequent target for hurricanes, and even strong tropical storms can cause devastating damage. If you have an older loved one in Clearwater, make sure they are protected and prepared in the event disaster strikes.

The Florida Department of Elder Resources offers disaster planning tips and resources to help ensure older adults in Clearwater stay safe. Actions you can take to help protect your loved one include:

• Stay in communication and keep them updated on the progress of any storms;
• Have them create a list of all medications and request refills in advance;
• Help them stock up on water and other supplies;
• Make preparations if they need to evacuate;
• Have them put all important personal information in a clearly marked file to take with them, including their estate planning documents.

Schedule A Consultation With Our Clearwater Elder Law Attorney Today

Estate planning helps protect older adults in Clearwater and their loved ones when disaster strikes. William Raumbaum is a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, one of only a handful in Florida. For over 40 years, he has been dedicated to helping people throughout Pinellas County, guiding them in putting the appropriate documents in place. For caring services and professional legal help, contact our office and schedule a consultation today.

Sources:

wfla.com/news/pinellas-county/clearwater-beach-businesses-cleaning-up-from-sand-and-storm-surge-visitors-urged-to-stay-away/

pinellascf.org/about/what-is-pcf/

elderaffairs.org/programs-services/disaster-preparedness/