Hurricane Preparedness at American House: What's Included, No Surprises

Hurricane season already asks a lot of families. Nobody wants to add a surprise bill to that list.

Recent news coverage out of Florida has put a spotlight on senior communities charging residents a flat fee, in one widely reported case $1,000, every time a storm forces a mandatory evacuation. For families comparing communities, that raises a fair question: what actually happens, and what does it cost, when a hurricane is bearing down on your loved one's building?

At American House, evacuation assistance is part of what you sign up for, not an add-on. Here is what that means in practice, and what to ask any community before you move in.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Storm plans read well in a brochure. The details that matter are the ones a sales tour will not always volunteer:

• Is there a per-occurrence fee if the community evacuates residents?
• Does the fee apply to independent living, assisted living, or both?
• Who pays for transportation, meals, and lodging during an evacuation?
• Is the policy in the lease, or can it change without notice?
• What happens if you want to arrange your own transportation instead?

Get the answer in writing. A verbal assurance during a tour is not the same as language in a residency agreement.

How American House Prepares, Before a Storm Ever Forms

Our Hurricane Preparedness Plan is approved by local Emergency Management and goes into effect as soon as a storm is being tracked toward one of our communities, not after it makes landfall. That plan includes:

• Immediate on-site generator power to keep the community running through an outage
• A minimum of three additional days of emergency food, on top of our standard seven-day supply
• Three gallons of water per resident, per day
• An emergency menu built for easy room delivery if dining service is disrupted
• A standing vendor commitment for food delivery through and immediately after a storm
• Continuous updates to families and loved ones through the event

Evacuation Assistance Is Part of Living Here

If local officials issue a mandatory evacuation order, our teams manage the move, transportation, coordination with receiving communities or shelters, and communication with families included in the services you already pay for. There is no per-occurrence bill waiting for residents or their families after the storm passes. It is the same standard whether the storm is a tropical storm or a major hurricane.

Learn more about Respite Care stays at American House.

Florida's Generator Requirement

Florida law sets a baseline for facilities in the state. Chapter 59 of the Florida Administrative Code requires nursing homes to maintain safe indoor temperatures, no higher than 81 degrees Fahrenheit, for at least 96 hours following a loss of power. It is worth asking any community you are evaluating whether they meet this standard, and whether their generator capacity has been tested recently.

Check this list to see if a nursing home or assisted living facility is in compliance with the Florida generator rule.

Storm Safety Basics for Seniors and Families

Hurricanes. Track advance warnings, plan your route and destination before an order is issued, and build in extra time. Evacuation traffic and store shortages both take longer than expected once a storm is close.

Flooding. Low-lying areas near water are highest risk. Keep emergency supplies on a main floor, not in a basement, and know your area's evacuation zone ahead of time.

Tornadoes. These often give little warning. Move to the lowest level of the building, away from windows, and stay low with your head and neck protected until the danger passes.

FAQ

Do senior living communities charge extra to evacuate residents during a hurricane?

Some do. Policies vary by operator and are not always disclosed clearly before move-in, so ask directly and get the answer in your residency agreement.

Does American House charge residents to evacuate during a mandatory evacuation order?

No. Evacuation assistance, transportation, and coordination with families are part of the services included in living at American House.

What does American House's Hurricane Preparedness Plan cover?

On-site generator power, extra emergency food and water supply, an emergency dining menu, a standing food delivery vendor commitment, and continuous family communication throughout the storm.

Can I arrange my own transportation instead of evacuating with the community?

Reach out to your community's executive director to talk through the options available for your situation.

Are American House communities required to have generators?

Communities in Florida are held to Chapter 59 of the Florida Administrative Code, which sets minimum standards for backup power and indoor temperature control during an outage.

Find Peace of Mind Before Storm Season

Ask the hard questions now, while you have time to compare answers, not while a storm is on the radar.

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