As we move past the halfway mark of hurricane season and into its most active period, I want to take a moment to speak directly with you. Like many, I sometimes hesitate to bring up storms, hoping not to “jinx” the season. But experience has taught us that the best time to prepare is always before a storm is on the radar.
At Evergreen Private Care, preparedness is not just a requirement—it’s part of who we are.
Preparedness in Home Care
By law, every home care agency must maintain a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). At Evergreen, our CEMP not only meets state and federal requirements but also benefits from our team’s years of hands-on experience. In many cases, our plan goes beyond what’s mandated so that we can continue caring for our clients and their families before, during, and after a disaster.
When a storm warning is issued, we immediately activate our plan and begin reaching out to clients in affected areas. You can rest assured that our caregivers will walk every client through the next steps and stay connected throughout the process.
Why Early Planning Matters
Emergencies are especially stressful for those with medical needs, limited mobility, or the possibility of reduced access to caregivers. Early planning reduces that stress and ensures safety, continuity of care, and peace of mind.
Key Preparedness Tips for Families
- Keep a contact list: Emergency, medical, and personal phone numbers.
- Build a stay-at-home kit: At least 14 days of medication, bottled water, canned food, manual can opener, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, waterproof matches, portable radio, and a phone charger.
- Pack a go-bag: Include medications, medical equipment, personal hygiene items, sturdy walking shoes, blankets/sleeping bags, travel food, dust masks, extra glasses, your contact list, and pet supplies. Keep your gas tank full, or your electric car fully charged.
- Communicate with your caregiver: Ask how you will care be cared for if power is lost or if you depend on refrigerated medication or medical equipment.
- Plan for special needs: If mobility is a concern, register in advance for special needs shelters and consider backup equipment such as a manual wheelchair. Your caregiver can answer questions and even help with these care solutions.
- Build a support network: Share your plan with relatives, neighbors, or friends who can check on you—and make sure your caregiver is included.
- Stay informed: Monitor the National Weather Service and local alerts.
- Safeguard documents: Store personal, medical, and financial records in waterproof containers.
What You Should Know About Evergreen’s Preparedness
- We review and update our CEMP annually, file it with the state, and ensure every caregiver is trained at the start of hurricane season.
- We maintain open communication with clients and families before, during, and after a storm.
- Our office, health records, and communication systems are secure—we even have satellite phones to stay connected if other systems fail.
- All client records and critical information are backed up and protected.
At Evergreen Private Care, we know that preparation saves lives and ensures uninterrupted care. While no one can predict what this season will bring, we can promise this: we are ready, and we’re here for you.