Southwest Fla. – Atlantic hurricane season is approaching, and the experiences of last year’s Hurricanes Ian and Nicole are still fresh in the minds of Floridians. The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Monroe and Okeechobee counties encourages residents to prepare now to stay healthy heading into hurricane season.
Here are the key steps you can take
• Florida Registry of Special NeedsIf you know or care for someone with a disability or special needs, eg who needs help but not hospitalisation, you should register first. Special Needs Accommodation Registry. Your local emergency management office will notify registered residents when an evacuation is required. Again, you must register in advance so that planners can contact you in the event of an emergency. For more information, call your county emergency management office, or visit the Florida Special Needs Registry https://snr.flhealthresponse.com/ .
• Keep track of your medications; After a storm, you may have a limited supply of prescription drugs, and your local pharmacy may be closed. You will need information about each prescription drug you take, the dosing instructions, and the doctor’s name and contact information. Keep this information up to date and with you when the storm threatens, and bring your medications with you to evacuate.
• Update your contact list: Be sure to bring an up-to-date list of all important contacts, including doctors, friends, relatives, out-of-state friends or relatives. Designate someone who can communicate your discharge and health status to others and serve as a point of contact for others trying to contact you.
• Know your device: After a storm, many people are injured or killed by carbon monoxide poisoning from unsafe generators and using potentially dangerous tools such as chainsaws or other unwieldy tools. Learning to use tools before a storm is safer than after a storm. Now is the time to read your owner’s manual and learn how to use each device safely.
Visit to learn more about preparing yourself and your family www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/preparing-for-hurricane-season Or call your county’s emergency management office.