As a long-distance caregiver there's usually not much you can do except worry when you learn about a serious weather problem where your parents live...unless you've prepared in advance.

No one can anticipate the floodwater ravages that have hit our middle west these past few days. But we can all anticipate that there will be something sooner or later. Our job is to help our parents prepare as well as possible in advance.

The best time to prepare a plan for winter snowstorms is in the summer. The best time to prepare for spring and summer storm season is in the winter. While the thunderheads are forming and visibility is zero is too late.

Plan on doing these few things while you have the luxury of time. Some you can accomplish by phone. Some you may be able to ask someone closer to do, and some you may want to put on your "to do" list when you next visit:

The Long Distance Caregiver's "Weather To Do" List

1. Make sure your senior's home has a backup stock of extra supplies (medications, incontinence briefs, bottled water, canned food (and a manual can opener), and extra pet food. Don't forget candles and toilet paper!

2. If they use oil or propane for heat in the winter, make sure that they re-order before their supply runs low.

3. If your parent is using oxygen, going to dialysis or receiving chemo/radiation therapy, call the provider and ask about their emergency plans.

4. If a home care agency is sending a nurse, therapist or aide to your parent on a scheduled basis, call the agency and ask them the same question.

5. If your parent is using life-saving equipment that requires electricity, such as an oxygen concentrator, call their electricity provider and ask about their emergency planning. Many electric providers maintain a list of residences that will receive priority attention in the event that power is out. Getting on the list may require a doctor's signature.

6. Check with the city/town/county where your parent lives about any programs they may have to help frail or homebound seniors in the event of a weather emergency. If registration is required (it probably will be) get your parents on all the available lists as soon as you can.

7. Ask your parent's neighbors to check in if there is a weather emergency. While you can't ask them to be responsible for your parent(s), you can give them all of your contact numbers and ask them to give you a call if they have concerns. Ask for all their numbers, as well.

8. In the days following a weather "event" you may have to go collect your parent if things will not be back to normal quickly. Check with your employer about your family leave options if you have to take a few days off with little notice.

Do these things in advance and of course you will still worry if there is a weather-related emergency where your parents live. Guaranteed you won't worry quite as much as you would if you haven't done them and a bad storm hits.