CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Our elderly population is the most vulnerable when a storm threatens the coast. That's why the City of Corpus Christi's "Meals on Wheels" program is checking on their clients.
They want to make sure elderly residents are aware of the active start to the hurricane season and that they know how to prepare.
Whether it's stocking up on food in case power is lost, getting sand bags for flooding or even evacuating for a major storm, hurricane season preparation can be a challenge for senior citizens in our area, especially if they live alone.
At the Broadmoor Senior Center longtime Corpus Christi residents were taking part in a game of chair volleyball. They know like the beach ball, right now it's in the air where Hurricane Beryl will end up.
"I just wait and see what happens really," resident Diane Shooshan said.
The impending storm is something that remains in the back of mind for Diane.
"I listen on the radio, listen intently to make sure its not coming here," she said.
She stays informed but admits she doesn't have a plan of action.
"I don't do anything that I know of, I'm not very good at putting things together to do that," Diane said. "I'm basically by myself at the house."
That's where folks with the City's Meals on Wheels program step in.
"Even watching your weather show this morning your meteorologist said, 'be prepared, be prepared, be prepared,' and that's what we continue to stress as well," City of Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Director Robert Dodd said.
He said their drivers deliver close to 1,000 meals a day, but also do welfare checks year-round and especially during hurricane season.
"It's something I'm very proud of that we do, I have an elderly mom that always needs somebody to be, you know, to check on them, and make sure they are safe," Dodd said.
In the event of a weather emergency the drivers will remind clients to be aware, review their plans and also offer vital information.
"We have a lot of seniors in our community and they might not be aware of the opportunities we have within our city," he said.
Experts say to have enough food and water for two weeks, gather your important documents, have first aid available and don't forget your contact information for your doctor and pharmacy.
"Any prescription medications, over the counter medications, it's a good idea to be prepared," Chief Medical Officer at Christus Spohn Shoreline Dr. Raymond Acebo said.
He said now is the time to prepare. That includes waterproofing medication by using a plastic bag and allowing pharmacies plenty of time to get refills done before a storm.
Don't wait until the day before.
"They need to make sure they have a two-week supply of medications in the original prescription bottles," Acebo said. "If you need to get a refill out of the area, you will need your prescription number to get the prescription transferred to a pharmacy close to you."
Other resources to keep in mind is the City's 3-1-1 call center and the Reverse Alert System.