Hurricane Season: Prepare Before the Storm
By: Deborah Dietz
Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean is from June 1 through November 30 each year and includes Florida. While not every day brings a storm, it is best to prepare in advance.
For people with disabilities, emergencies can affect more than shelter and supplies. Power outages, transportation changes, communication barriers, service interruptions, and limited access to medication or medical equipment can all impede staying safe and accessing needed support. Planning ahead can help reduce stress and make emergencies easier to manage.
Preparation does not need to happen all at once. Start by thinking about the things you use every day and what you would need if you had to leave quickly or stay home for several days.
Here are a few simple ways to get started:
- Refill medications and gather extra medical supplies
- Charge medical devices and backup batteries
- Make a list of emergency contacts
- Make a list of your doctors & caregivers
- Pack communication tools and assistive technology
- Store important documents in a waterproof folder
- Review transportation and evacuation plans
- Prepare food, water, and comfort items
- Let your family members, caregivers, or service providers know about your emergency plan
If you receive services or supports, consider who you would contact if those services were interrupted. If you use equipment that depends on electricity, think through backup options now rather than during an emergency.
The start of hurricane season does not mean you should be worried; it means now is the time to prepare. Small actions taken today can make a big difference later.
Action Plan:
Choose one preparedness task this week and complete it. Then choose one more next week. Preparation works best when done a little at a time.
