Vicar’s Landing evacuates for Hurricane Dorian

Residents watch ‘Gone with the Wind’ rather than deal with hurricane force winds

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Hurricane Dorian caused a commotion up and down the coast of Florida, but not for the residents of Vicar’s Landing.

About 300 staff members and residents spent their time between Atlanta and Camp Weed in Live Oak, thanks to the evacuation preparations and planning by the retirement home community.

The threat of hurricanes can be especially devastating for the elderly and disabled, who are less able to leave their homes quickly and efficiently. In addition, the stress of the process can take a toll for those with memory decline who depend on routine. Because of recent storms, this is not Vicar’s first rodeo as it also provided a seamless evacuation process in 2016 for Hurricane Matthew and once before in 2014, when Ponte Vedra was put under a mandatory evacuation notice.

“This is something that obviously we drill on every year since hurricane threats are a big deal for us,” said Vicar’s Landing CEO Bruce Jones. “We have relationships with vendors and provide handicap wheelchairs bus service that we use for our health care folks.”

Residents of the independent assisted living facility were transported by coach bus to an Atlanta hotel. Since reservations had been made in advance, the luggage was already in their rooms by the time the bus arrived. Good weather allowed excursions during the day, this year attending the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and the Gone with the Wind Museum. Afterward, they watched the movie.

“At Camp Weed we also take our health center activities staff, so they continue doing their exercise and cocktail socials with their regular activities scheduled,” Jones said.

During the hurricane, the Vicar’s Landing property sustained no damage. When the residents returned, the building was in full operation and dinner was being prepared.