Hurricanes are a fact of life in Florida, and preparing for them is critical – especially for seniors, who may face unique challenges during storm season. At Amavida, prioritizing safety and the well-being of our residents, staff, and their families is our top priority. Through robust infrastructure, detailed emergency planning, and dedicated support, Amavida is fully prepared to weather hurricanes, including sheltering in place safely during Category 5 storms. This guide details our comprehensive approach to storm safety in Fort Myers and the surrounding region.

This guide provides an in-depth look at Amavida’s hurricane preparedness measures, from structural protections to communication workflows, and offers practical tips for seniors to stay safe during hurricane season.

1. Structural Resilience: Engineered for Category 5 Safety

Amavida is not just built to code; it is purpose-built and reinforced to provide a secure haven from extreme weather and high winds, offering unmatched peace of mind for residents and families alike.

Feature – Specification and Safety Benefits

Feature	Specification and Safety Benefits
Category 5 Certified Shelter	Our primary shelter spaces are engineered to meet the highest safety standards, capable of withstanding wind speeds up to 250 mph (the equivalent of a high-end EF-5 tornado or Category 5 hurricane). These structural standards often align with ICC-500 specifications for near-absolute protection.
Flood Protection: 15 Feet Above Sea Level	The community is strategically situated at an elevation of 15 feet above sea level. This high elevation provides a significant natural defense against the most common hazard of severe storms: storm surge and widespread flooding.
Hurricane-Impact Windows and Doors	Every exterior opening is equipped with impact-resistant windows and doors, designed and tested to resist high-velocity debris impact (such as a 15-pound wooden projectile traveling at 100 mph), maintaining the building’s envelope integrity.
Durable Concrete and Cinder Block Construction	Our core buildings utilize durable, reinforced cinder block and concrete construction, ensuring superior strength, stability, and protection against wind and lateral forces compared to traditional frame structures.

These structural elements ensure that Amavida residents have a secure, storm-ready environment, eliminating the need for stressful last-minute evacuations in most scenarios.

2. Reliable Power and Life Safety Systems: Hurricane Generators in Action

Maintaining uninterrupted power and climate control is paramount for senior health and care continuity. Amavida’s backup systems, powered by commercial-grade hurricane generators, are designed for extended, continuous operation.

• Generator Capacity: We operate three main commercial-grade hurricane generators in the main building and one in the Oasis building. These generators have the capacity to power all critical life safety systems across the entire campus.
• Essential System Coverage: The generators ensure uninterrupted power to critical systems, including HVAC systems for climate control; refrigeration for food and medications; medical equipment and oxygen support bays; elevator functionality; and emergency lighting and communications infrastructure.
• 24/7 On-Site Operations: Our emergency hurricane plan is activated during storms, ensuring dedicated staff remain on-site to continuously monitor systems, maintain services, and respond immediately to residents’ needs.

3. Comprehensive Preparedness: Storm Prep and Support Systems

Amavida implements meticulous planning to ensure readiness well before a storm threatens the area. This section details our storm prep and support systems for extended sheltering-in-place.

Supply Chain Security

• Stockpiled Essentials: We secure a minimum of a seven-day supply of non-perishable food, water (one gallon per person per day), and medical necessities.
• Medication Management: We coordinate with partner pharmacies to ensure every resident has at least a two-week supply of all critical prescriptions, including supplies needed for refrigerated medications.
• First-In, First-Out Rotation: All emergency supplies are regularly inventoried and rotated every six months to ensure freshness and viability.

Staffing and Support

• A-Team Staffing: A core team of certified caregivers and support staff is scheduled to shelter in place at the community for the storm’s duration and immediate aftermath, ensuring consistent and personalized care.
• Employee Family Shelter: To support our staff’s focus on resident care, Amavida provides safe, on-campus accommodations for the families of essential employees, creating a secure, supportive environment for everyone.

Annual Readiness Report: The Full-Scale Drill

Amavida conducts a mandatory, full-scale hurricane preparedness drill annually. This is more than a walk-through; it is an exercise designed to test and certify our readiness.

• Testing Protocols: The drill simulates a power outage, staff shelter in place, and a resident lockdown scenario. We test the functionality of generators, inventory management, and the speed of resident relocation to designated safe areas.
• Training Focus: Staff training emphasizes clear, calm communication; accommodating mobility needs (using wide, accessible routes); and implementing individualized emergency plans for residents with specific medical or cognitive requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: A detailed report is compiled following the drill to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure all protocols, communications, and logistical systems are continuously refined.

4. Family Communication Workflows

Staying informed and connected during a hurricane is essential for peace of mind. Amavida’s communication workflow is proactive, redundant, and transparent.

• Pre-Storm Alerts: Families receive initial communications (via text/email) as soon as a storm enters the cone of uncertainty, detailing Amavida’s shelter-in-place status.
• During the Storm: Regular updates are sent through a tiered system, utilizing cell/text service first.
• Redundant Channels: We maintain backup communication channels, including a dedicated staff hotline and an established external call-in system (like the LCS hotline at 888.214.8464) to ensure information flows even if power lines, phone lines or local infrastructure fails.
• Post-Storm Status: Families receive immediate notification once the storm has passed, confirming resident safety and providing an estimated timeline for returning to normal community operations.

5. Personal Preparedness: How Should Seniors Prepare for a Hurricane?

While Amavida provides all community resources, residents should maintain a small, ready-to-go personal emergency kit in their apartment home. Staff are available to assist in organizing these items. Here is a guide on assembling essential hurricane kits for seniors:

• Medications: At least a seven-day supply of all prescriptions, stored in an easily accessible, waterproof container.
• Medical Essentials: Oxygen tank documentation, hearing aids, extra batteries for devices (hearing aids, walkers), and vision correction items.
• Important Documents: Waterproof copies of medical history, insurance cards, IDs, and emergency contact lists.
• Comfort and Communication: Flashlight, charged cell phone, a portable battery bank/charger, and a few familiar comfort items (a book, small blanket).

The Amavida Advantage: Why We Are the Safest Choice

The unique challenges seniors face, such as mobility issues, medication management, and navigating confusing warnings, are systematically mitigated by the comprehensive systems in place at Amavida. We offer safety that is simply unavailable when sheltering at home.

We combine Category 5 infrastructure, continuously tested protocols, and professional, on-site support to deliver unmatched hurricane safety for seniors, providing a secure, supportive environment year-round.