Elder’s Hurricane Kit

Donna Nichols • September 3, 2024
A sign that says `` are you ready for hurricane season ''

Hurricane season in Florida is six (6) months long, that’s half of the year. While it’s rare to have hurricanes outside of the months of August and September, it does happen, and it is happening more often. Hurricanes have become more intense as well as more prevalent.


I was born here in New Smyrna Beach and can remember when I was little going outside and playing in hurricanes as they were no more than wind and slight rain. We would prop our front door open, open our windows and sliding glass door and the breeze that came through the house was fabulous.


These days you must board up your entire house and don’t even think about stepping outside! Going out in a hurricane today is like being in the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy’s house is whipping through the sky and she tells Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.


2004 saw four (4) hurricanes within a six-week period. This was the worst year I can remember ever hitting Florida in my 60+ years.


           August 13, 2004, saw Hurricane Charley which came ashore in Punta Gorde as a strong Category 4 hurricane.


           September 5th we were hit by Hurricane Frances at Hutchinson Island as a Category 2 hurricane.


           On September 16th, very soon after Frances along came Ivan. Ivan hit the western panhandle, Pensacola area, as a Category 3 hurricane.


           September 26th brought Hurricane Jeanne hitting Hutchinson Island again, only this time as a Category 3 hurricane.


Yes, 2004 was an extremely busy year for hurricanes here in Florida.


           September 1, 2008, Hurricane Gustav hit the panhandle again, luckily it was downgraded to a Category 2.


           Memorial Day weekend 2012, yes before hurricane season evens began, we had tropical storm Beryl. She ruined so many plans for services and memorials as she dumped so much water throughout Jacksonville and beyond.


           Jump ahead to 2022, and we saw two devastating hurricanes, Ian, and Nicole. Ian was a monster at a Category 4 in September and luckily Nicole came late in November and was only a Category 1, yet she did so much more damage to an already damaged city; we were all thankful Nicole wasn’t any stronger.


           August 30, 2023, brought Hurricane Idalia a strong Category 3 storm making landfall in Keaton Beach, Florida.


Some of our regular afternoon thunderstorms can be worse than a hurricane, so if you hear thunder, please get inside. And remember, just because you don’t see lightning, it doesn’t mean it’s not there; we are the lightning capital of the United States.


September 10 is the peak for hurricane season, and it is rapidly approaching, are you ready? Do you have a hurricane kit prepared? What about a kit for your elders? What will they need to take in a hurry? You should have something prepared for them so they can grab it and go in a hurry. What should you pack for them to take in case they need to evacuate quickly?


In the bottom of a box place a case of water, any important papers (sealed in plastic), put some snacks for a couple of days in there too. Make sure to put a flashlight in the box along with extra medications and any other pertinent information you think they may need. If they enjoy doing word search puzzles, put a book or two of those in there too. You may want to make sure they have clean clothes, including under garments and pajamas, extra hygiene products, toilet paper, and hair care products in the box as well. And don’t forget the first aid supplies too!


Just remember, our elderly loved ones don’t think as quickly as they used to, it’s up to you to ensure they are prepared in case they need to evacuate in a hurry. If they reside in a nursing home or an assisted living community, please make sure the staff knows where their belongings are, so they grab them if evacuation time comes. If they live in their own home, make sure they know where this box is and write notes and post by the door or telephone as to where it is located so they can grab it and go quickly.



Just as we depended on them to keep us safe when we were young, they now depend on us to keep them safe as they age. Make sure you are there for your elderly loved ones.

A poster showing how to prepare for a hurricane.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.