BEAUMONT, Texas — Hurricane season officially starts in one week and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an active season.
NOAA is expecting 8-13 hurricanes to form this year.
Once a storm enters the Gulf, depending on how severe it is, experts recommend you either evacuate or shelter in place. Older residents and pets tend to be more vulnerable since they often depend on others for care.
Experts say seniors citizens are the most vulnerable during hurricane season because of health issues and medications. It's just as important to make sure pets are also taken care of too.
"The older you get, the the earlier you need to evacuate," said Tommy Crandall.
Evacuating can mean the difference between life and death when heavy storms and high winds cause powers outages.
"If you know you're responsible for somebody who's a little more fragile you have to plan a little bit better," said assisted living home owner Daniel Duplechin.
He says one of the biggest tips he can offer to families is making sure you have enough medication and a way to properly store it.
"Try to make sure you get an extra seven days worth of medication. If you're on a medication like insulin, freeze some jugs of water that you can get out and put in a cooler," Duplechin said.
If you decide to ride out the storm, Duplechin says you should have a generator to make sure loved ones stay cool. If conditions worsen, he has a plan to get his 100 residents to safety.
"We have contracts with other facilities further north that we evacuate too," he said.
Crandall has been living at the haven since February and he has a plan of his own.
"If I'm going to evacuate, I would call my son in Dallas. He'd come get me," Crandall said.
Viviana Lopez with Beaumont Animal Care says if you are evacuating it's best to take your furry friends too.
"If you absolutely have to leave your pets, don't leave them tethered. Leave them where they can get lose and somewhere safe," said Lopez.
Lopez recommends you take a 30-day supply of any pet medication, along with battery powered fans and alcohol wipes to keep them cool.
"They have pores in their feet so getting the rubbing alcohol in there will help a lot,” Lopez said.
Lopez says they will be partnering with the city to set up a shelter for people who may decide to stay but are displaced. They will also provide crates for pets and food.