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Why this matters now
Early forecasts call for 17 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four majors in the 2025 Atlantic season—an “above-average” year FOX Weather. The first system could even spin up before the official June 1 start, reminding us that planning can’t wait New York Post. With Hurricane Preparedness Week running May 4-10, 2025 National Weather Service, now is the ideal time for Southwest Florida’s older adults and “snowbirds” to get ready—especially if you’ll be heading north soon.
Stay informed the easy way
| What to do | How to do it | Why it helps seniors |
|---|
| Sign up for local alerts | • Collier County – AlertCollier (text COLLIERFL to 888777) Collier County Government • Lee County – AlertLee (register at AlertLee.com) alertlee.com • Charlotte County – AlertCharlotte (941-833-4000 for phone registration) nextdoor.com | Free call-, email-, and text-based warnings tailored to your address—great if you don’t use social media. |
| Download a hurricane-tracking app | • Clime: NOAA Weather Radar Live (simple maps, real-time alerts) Team Rubicon • My Hurricane Tracker & Alerts (large text mode, voice alerts) Android Apps on Google Play | Tap-to-zoom radar and spoken notifications are easier on aging eyes and ears than TV crawl text. |
| Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone | Check Settings → Notifications → Emergency Alerts | You’ll get Presidential, AMBER, and all-clear messages even if the power or Wi-Fi is out. |
Protect your power & medical needs
- Use surge protectors and a small battery backup (UPS) for essentials—modem, router, smartphone charger, medical monitors. A 600 VA UPS keeps Wi-Fi and a phone powered for 1-2 hours so you can call family or 911.
- Register for Florida’s Special Needs Shelter program now if you rely on oxygen, CPAP, or refrigerated medications Florida Department of Health.
- Complete the Emergency Power Planning checklist for battery-dependent medical devices and share it with your caregiver ADA National Network.
- Label spare chargers and keep them in your “go-kit.” The American Red Cross recommends backup batteries for phones and medical gear in every hurricane kit American Red Cross.
Tip for snowbirds: Leave one UPS plugged in and connected to your home Wi-Fi camera. Many systems send you a push alert if the UPS goes on-battery, so you’ll know immediately when the power drops.
Secure & monitor your home from afar
- Smart locks let you create a temporary code for a neighbor or handyman—no key copies needed.
- Indoor cameras or video doorbells (Wyze, Ring, Arlo) provide live views and motion alerts, so you can confirm storm shutters are closed or watch for leaks while you’re up north.
- Wi-Fi leak sensors under the water heater and sinks can text you the moment they detect moisture—vital in Florida’s humid climate.
- Smart thermostats keep A/C at 78 °F to prevent mold but avoid big electric bills. You can raise it to 82 °F remotely during a power-price spike.
These tools amplify independence for anyone with mobility challenges and give peace of mind to family who help from a distance.
Keep data, health & finances safe
| Risk | Simple tech fix |
|---|---|
| Losing paper records in a storm | Scan IDs, insurance cards, and medication lists; store copies in encrypted cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive) and on a USB drive in a waterproof pouch. |
| Telehealth outage after landfall | Add your doctor’s office number to your phone’s Favorites and download your portal’s mobile app now—most run on minimal cellular data. |
| Post-storm scams (fake roofers, “government” calls) | Never pay upfront or share Medicare/Social Security numbers by phone. Sign up for county-approved contractor lists and verify licenses online before work begins. |
| Spoofed charity appeals | Donate only through official sites you type yourself; ignore links sent by text or social media. |
Five-minute checklist
✔ Enroll in AlertCollier / AlertLee / AlertCharlotte
✔ Install a hurricane app and enable voice alerts
✔ Test surge protectors & UPS; charge power banks
✔ Register for a Special Needs or Pet-Friendly Shelter if needed
✔ Back up critical documents to the cloud
✔ Set smart thermostat to 78 °F and create storm-mode routines
✔ Place leak sensors and verify camera feeds
✔ Share your plan with a trusted friend or neighbor
Need a hand?
Decoding Technology can install surge protection, configure smart cameras, or walk you through app setup in plain language—without sales pressure. Call 239-944-7446 or visit DecodingTechnology.com to schedule in-home help.
Stay safe, stay connected, and enjoy peace of mind all storm season long!
