The decision to explore senior living options in tropical areas is exciting. You’re thinking about all of the wonderful possibilities for your loved ones, like year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches. States like Florida provide an appealing lifestyle for seniors seeking warmth and relaxation. 

But you are also thinking about safety. For those considering communities managed by The Goodman Group in storm-prone regions, understanding hurricane preparedness becomes an important part of finding the right fit.

Hurricane season brings with it some considerations for seniors and their families. Knowing what questions to ask about emergency protocols can give you peace of mind so that your loved ones who live at these communities will be safe and well-cared for, especially during weather events.

Let's talk about the right questions to ask about hurricane preparedness in senior living communities along the waterfront.

Questions to Ask About Hurricane Preparedness

Thoughtful conversations about weather preparedness help as you continue your search for weather-prepared senior living options. 

Hurricane season typically runs from June through November, with peak activity often occurring between August and October. Consider the following questions when looking at any senior living community in a tropical region.

Building Features that Enhance Comfort and Security

Understanding a community's structural safety features tells you how well the environment can withstand severe weather.

• How do backup systems work if power outages happen?
• Are there gathering areas where residents can be together during weather events?
• How old are the community's buildings and do they meet the latest local codes for wind and impact resistance and roofing strength?
• Does everything appear to be well-maintained?

How Team Members Prepare to Support Residents

Community team members play a big role in making sure residents are comfortable during weather events through training and preparation. 

• How do you keep families updated during storms?

• How are medications and health needs managed?

• Does the community hold regular hurricane drills, just as they might do for fires?
• Are all team members fully trained on overall emergency protocols, their team's role, and their own personal role in carrying out the plan? 
• If a weather event is imminent, are team members brought together for last-minute reminders of procedures? Are residents included in this?

Evacuation vs. Staying in Place

Each community develops careful criteria to determine when staying within the community or temporarily relocating offers the best experience for residents.

• When does the community decide to stay or evacuate?

• What transportation is available if needed?

• Where do residents go if an evacuation is necessary?

• How do you support memory care residents during changes?

• Are individual team members assigned to each resident, or if not, how is each person accounted for throughout this incident? 

Resident Involvement

These questions help you understand how the community maintains resident dignity and quality of life even during these circumstances.

• How do you keep residents informed about weather preparations?
• What personal belongings can residents bring during temporary relocations?
• What social activities continue when residents need to stay indoors?
• Are residents fully informed when they move in–and also with periodic reminders–about emergency response plans? 
• Are they informed in other ways such as signage, posters or practice drills? 
• Do families receive this same information?

After-Storm Recovery Planning

A community's recovery planning reflects their commitment to returning to normal quickly and efficiently after a weather event.

• How soon can residents return to their normal activities?
• What steps do you take to get the community back to normal?
• How is ongoing communication maintained with families during recovery?
• What is the post-event protocol to protect residents and team members while authorities are working to determine the extent of any damage and restore the facilities to daily living standards? 
• Who will decide when it is safe to return?

Communications

On the preparedness side, ask how the community will keep everyone informed during a weather event.

• Is there an internal alert system (text, call, PA system, audible alarm)?
• What is the back-up communication plan if the hurricane takes out phone and/or internet service?
• How will the community maintain contact with first responders? Who is responsible for that?

Finding Peace of Mind 

Quality senior living communities welcome these discussions as opportunities to share how they support residents throughout all seasons. By learning about these preparations, you can feel reassured that your loved one will continue to thrive in a community that values both comfort and safety.

Ask how many hurricanes or other severe storms this community and these team members have weathered in the past. What did they learn that will help protect your loved one better in the future?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognizes that seniors benefit from specialized emergency planning that addresses their unique needs during weather events. The senior living community you choose should be prepared to address these matters on your behalf. Many create individual plans for memory care and skilled nursing residents who need specialized support, so ask about that.

With thoughtful planning and caring support, your loved ones can enjoy beautiful beach sunsets and refreshing ocean breezes while you get the comfort of knowing they are in a community that prioritizes safety and is prepared for any emergency.