Hurricane season starts June 1st in the state of Florida and lasts until November 30th. If you live in Flagler County, like I do, we are historically at a lower risk for hurricanes than in other parts of the state. Thank you geography but remember mother nature likes to surprise us. However, I believe in being prepared as it makes a difference between safety and a crisis.
Per the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and FEMA, seniors account for the majority of hurricane related fatalities. Not from the storms necessarily, but from the days following them. Heat exposure, dehydration, lack of access to care are just a few of those factors.
Flagler County has an amazing Emergency Management Department, so get to know it. Emergency Management Flagler County is their website which includes invaluable information and contact numbers and email.
1. You can register on their website for the Shelter Program if you require medical/transportation help during evacuations. The American Red Cross is finishing our new shelter at the fairgrounds. I attended a meeting about this just recently and I volunteered the year before last at the school shelter. They are always looking for volunteers if you are able to be involved in your community.
2. Create an Emergency Plan for your household. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs has a GUIDE to assist you as well. Always have ID, insurance cards, medication lists in a waterproof container. Share your plan with family or friends.
3. Build a Kit that is ready to go.
Medications (prescription and over the counter), first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, phone charger/power bank, non perishable food, bottled water (not just for drinking but for sanitation as well), cash (small bills), back up power and equipment for medical devices.
I buy water weekly at the start of the season and keep it going. I check propane tanks for my grill in case the power goes out. A grill heats water and cooks food in the freezer when you don't have electricity. Paper towels, plates, plastic utensils, and garbage bags for all of it, in case you don't have running water.
Think about what YOU use on a daily/weekly basis. Think about what you would need without having electricity or water.
4. Check your evacuation zone and sign up for your county ALERT program. Flagler has a superb program.
5. Protect your home. Do you need a wind mitigation inspection? To install shutters? How will you remove items in your yard that can become flying objects in high winds? Sandbags?
6. Check out ARC for shelter information and use Floridadisaster.org
If you or someone you love relies on electricity for medical devices, lacks transportation, or lives alone, please explore the links I have included here BEFORE crisis strikes. If you register with these programs NOW, it won't be a catastrophe later. Many programs close before a hurricane hits land.
We were really lucky last year not to have any hurricanes, but every year this state gets hit and often hard. As someone who has worked in a hospital and volunteered at a shelter during a hurricane, it is imperative that you find out this information beforehand or risk getting lost in the shuffle. I have also been through multiple of them all throughout the state.
Please don't wait until crunch time.
Let's not panic but be prepared with a plan. Last minute prep is dangerous for anyone, but it is especially dangerous for people who need extra help. We have a large, diverse population in the state of Florida and we have to cover everyone.
Maybe consider signing up to volunteer with your city/county, there are many roles that need to be fulfilled, and you may be as surprised as I was to find out cities run on volunteers more than paid positions.
Being prepared takes more than good intentions, we need a clear plan. Preparation today prevents a crisis tomorrow and a thoughtful plan can make all the difference when a storm is on the way.