As you may already know Atlantic hurricane season typically runs from the first of June to the end of November, but the vast majority of hurricanes make landfall in the U.S. between August and September. In states like Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Louisiana, hurricanes are highly common and if you are a mobility user, evacuation may not be an option. For those who may not have the ability to evacuate their location, the Rehab Medical team has put together a helpful guide to help you prepare and stay safe during hurricane season.
The Importance of Preparedness
Whether you've lived through a hurricane or believe hurricanes are highly unlikely in your area, it's important to be prepared just in case. In 2023, California experienced a never before climate anomaly that gave birth to Hurricane Hilary. This hurricane made landfall in Mexico before making its way up through California. Given that California is not usually associated with hurricanes, the case of Hurricane Hilary speaks to the uncertainty of weather patterns and the importance of always being prepared.
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Preparedness
To date, Florida has been home to more than 100 hurricanes ranging from all category types. Whether you are a new or existing Florida resident, staying up to date on trends and preparedness plans is essential. Governor Ron DeSantis, Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) have put together a brief guide to navigating hurricane season.
The guide includes valuable tips such as how to plan for this year’s hurricanes stating that residents should store supplies like food, water, medicine, batteries, etc. for at least seven days. Additionally, you should complete a personal assessment outlining what your personal needs are and what resources you’ll use to meet those needs. This can be in as simple a form of a pros and cons list style.
Another key component of navigating Florida storms is knowing what zone you reside in. You can visit www.FloridaDisaster.org/Know to learn more about your evacuation zone in case evacuation becomes a necessity.
How to Know if Evacuation is Necessary
Leaving your home can be a tough decision to make, especially if leaving it is particularly challenging. So how do you determine if you should leave or stay? First consider the severity of the situation then evaluate your mobility capabilities. If it’s feasible to leave, then create an evacuation plan and act on it asap.
But if you are someone who has mobility limitations or are a caretaker of someone with limited mobility, evacuation may be more challenging. When you are unable to evacuate, you can make some of the below updates to your home to withstand strong storms. FDEM recommends creating a home resiliency checklist which focuses on reducing the amount of wind that can enter your home.
If you are unable to make updates to your home then you can always visit FloridaDisaster.org/SNR and register for special needs evacuation assistance.
Other Emergency Preparedness Tips
For residents who may not reside in either of the more prone hurricane and tropical storm states, anomalies like California can still happen so it’s important to have a general list of emergency supplies should any weather uncertainties occur.
Always keep a stash of non-perishable food and fresh water
Make sure to have some sort of communication device to keep in touch with friends and family and stay in the know
Keeping a waterproof container with important documents such as ID, medical information, insurance, etc. is critical in case you are unable to communicate this information Flashlights, matches, multipurpose tools, and other safety tools are also important to store
A ‘go bag’ is also imperative to have to store items such as clothes, blankets, medications, and protective gear
Familiarize yourself with evacuation plans in your community
If you are able to operate a non-motorized mobility solution, consider keeping one has a backup in case you don’t have access to a charger
Choose a contact outside the state whom you can communicate and check in with
Establish a pre-decided meeting point for your family and a designated place to stay
Recovering from a Hurricane
There are three main things you should do after a hurricane has passed:
Remain inside until the storm has completely passed
Be aware of any power outages
Stay away from flood waters
That last item is probably the most crucial thing to remember because flood waters could potentially hide other hazardous things such as hidden electrical hazards, chemical leaks, displaced wild animals, hazardous debris, and other things.
Staying Informed of Future Hurricanes
Remaining informed during a hazardous storm is crucial because it offers a clear path to safety. The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers multiple resources to keep you informed on hazardous storms by visiting their website at DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA mobile app, or calling them at 800-621-FEMA (3362). You can also take advantage of their temporary disaster recovery centers located all over the country. Be sure to bring your identification cards, insurance information, and a brief description of the damages incurred so they can assist you accordingly.
In conclusion, the journey through hurricane preparedness reveals the critical importance of being proactive, informed, and equipped to face the challenges that these formidable weather events can bring.
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