Storms are scary for everyone, but they can be especially frightening for older people. If you have a loved one who’s getting on in years and lives with you, it’s important to make sure they’re kept in the loop about storms and prepared for any potential dangers from them. Here are top tips on how to keep your aging loved one calm during a storm in Southern Pines, NC:
Stay Calm
If you’re helping your loved one through a storm, stay calm. It’s natural to be scared and worried when bad weather hits, but you can’t let your anxiety affect the person you’re caring for. If they see you’re afraid or panicky, they’ll be more likely to feel that way—panic is contagious! Instead, keep things as normal as possible. Try not to talk about storms much; instead, focus on other activities (like watching TV or playing games) so that your loved one won’t be reminded of what’s happening outside.
If there are any emergency supplies nearby (including flashlights and batteries), make sure those are easy for everyone in the house to reach during power outages. You should also discuss evacuation plans with family members who live close by: if conditions get bad enough that staying put isn’t safe anymore, it might be necessary for someone else to come to pick up your loved one so you can evacuate together with other family members in one place.
Listen To The News
As a caregiver, you can help your loved one through the emotional turmoil of storm season by informing her. The best way to do this is by listening to the news together as often as possible. If you live in an area prone to severe weather or frequent power outages, it’s important for your loved one to stay abreast of the latest weather forecasts and preparedness tips from local authorities. This will also give you both time for important discussions about what to do if a storm hits while she is home alone—and whether she has any thoughts on how best to keep herself calm during such situations.
Your loved one may enjoy using her smartphone or tablet device as an additional resource for staying updated on potential storms and other emergencies (or even just good old-fashioned news), but keep in mind that these devices require electricity in order to their work properly.
Have Survival Supplies On Hand
It’s important that you have a flashlight and extra batteries, as well as a radio. Make sure your loved one has comfortable clothing and is not at risk of catching a cold or other illnesses.
If storms are common where you live, getting an emergency kit and items like canned food, water, and other supplies may be worthwhile. These will be useful for keeping your loved one calm during any storm.
Make Sure Doors And Windows Are Locked
In addition to keeping your loved one safe in the event of a storm, there are some things you can do to ensure they stay in a calm state throughout. First and foremost, make sure doors and windows are locked. It may be tempting to leave them open so they can get some fresh air, but having all doors and windows closed will help keep the house secure during strong winds and heavy rain.
Next, inspect walls for holes or other damage that may allow water into the home if it rains heavily outside. This is especially important for homes that have been around for years and have seen their share of wear and tear over time – check these areas carefully.
Conclusion
The best way to keep your aging loved one calm during a storm is by making sure that they feel safe and secure. If you can do this, then you will have taken some of the stress out of the situation for them.
