One of the major benefits of living in a senior living community such as St. Mark Village is how much time, attention, and resources are put toward the wellbeing and safety of residents. Here is what you should know.
Understanding the Risks and Having a Plan for Emergency Preparedness
Older adults living at home on their own are vulnerable to a long list of potential hazards. Everything from unwanted visitors at the front door to limbs falling on the roof to an electrical fire in the kitchen to damage from high winds. Not having someone else around to assist with a crisis at night or on a weekend can make a bad situation even more dangerous, especially if conditions continue to worsen outside and travel becomes impossible.
This is even more true in an area such as Pinellas County, which can experience high winds, severe thunderstorms, and tornadic activity that can accompany a hurricane, usually between June 1st and November 30th.
The good news is that St. Mark Village is located in a non-evacuation zone. This means the area is not considered to be at high risk of storm surge during a hurricane, so an evacuation is not likely. However, older adults living in the area are always urged to stay vigilant concerning hurricane prep and be ready in times of weather-related emergencies.
Here are just some of the suggested items to have in an emergency kit:
- Water: one gallon per person for several days
- Non-perishable food, enough for several days
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle
- Manual can opener
- Cell phone with chargers
How St. Mark Village Approaches Emergency and Hurricane Prep
As a senior living community with all levels of care, including skilled nursing, St. Mark Village takes resident safety and wellbeing very seriously. In addition to the inspections which nursing homes regularly undergo—such as building design and operational features for providing safety from fire, smoke, electrical failures, and gas leaks—St. Mark Village goes even further in emergency preparedness and hurricane prep.
Here are just a few examples of St. Mark Village’s focus on safety:
- St. Mark Village utilizes the CallAware system, powered by Informacast, to provide real-time messaging to residents, team members, and family members for medical, security, and concierge events.
- Residents have the reassurance of knowing that St. Mark Village provides 24-hour security on its campus.
- St. Mark Village is regularly inspected for building design and operational features designed to provide safety from fire, smoke, electrical failures and gas leaks. An automatic sprinkler system is located in all required areas.
- Providing scheduled transportation to residents offers a safe alternative and removes the worry and risk of seniors driving late at night or in heavy congestion to get to physician’s appointments, the market, or drug stores.
- Offering apartment floor plans with specific safety features for senior health and safety helps lower the risk of falls and enhance quality of life.
Related: Finding a Sense of Safety and Security in Senior Living
Hurricane Prep Includes Regular Reviews of Procedures
St. Mark Village team members regularly review evacuation plans, and practice communicating evacuations routes to residents, as well as which alternative routes should be used in case primary roads are blocked. St. Mark Village also ensures:
- Resident reminders to follow smart safety precautions, such as staying away from windows during a storm.
- Tests of backup generators and evaluation of communication protocols.
- Conducting regular emergency drills with residents.
- The community has the supplies needed prior to any severe weather warning. These can include: a stockpile of bottled water and non-perishable food. Medications commonly used by residents. A good supply of first-aid kits with bandages, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes. Flashlights, batteries, and other essentials that could be of use during a power outage.
Staying safe, enjoying life, feeling good about the future: at St. Mark Village you can do it all.
The Tampa Bay area is a great place to retire—just ask our residents! They’ll be happy to fill you in on all there is to experience in this beautiful location. Then they’ll also be happy to give you multiple reasons why St. Mark Village is the best choice for senior living.
