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From Our Practice to Your Home: Hurricane Preparation Tips

Hurricane season is here again, and as Floridians, we all know the drill. But knowing what to do and actually being prepared are two different things. With hurricane season running from June through November, now is the perfect time to review your preparation plan and make sure you and your family are truly ready. Research shows that patients who prepare ahead of time not only fare better during the storm itself, but also experience significantly less anxiety and stress when severe weather threatens our community.

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1. Build an Emergency Kit

Be sure to build an emergency kit with everything you may need. Here are some suggestions for the essentials you might need to be prepared in the event of a hurricane: ○ One gallon of water per person per day ○ Non-perishable food, at least a supply of several days ○ Manual can opener ○ Personal hygiene items ○ First aid kit ○ Medications ○ Immunization records ○ Important documents: birth certificates, medical information, insurance policies ○ Solar powered or battery operated flashlight. Do not use candles. ○ Battery powered or hand crank radio to stay updated ○ Extra batteries ○ Fully charged electronics ○ Blankets, pillows, clothing, and shoes to stay comfortable ○ Cash and coins in the event that ATMs are out of service ○ Sunscreen ○ Sunglasses ○ Hat ○ Non-electronic sources of entertainment ○ Local maps ○ Pet supplies: food, immunization records, water, and medication ○ Extra set of keys ○ Contact information ○ Whistle/small mirror to signal emergency services


2. Have a plan of evacuation

If you live close to an evacuation zone, be sure to have a plan of evacuation. Learn potential routes of evacuation and establish a communication plan with the people you trust. Create designated meeting points with your family and keep track of their contact information. Let your close family and friends know where you are going to stay. To know if you live close to an evacuation zone based on where you live, click the link below:



3. Stay alert

Before and after a hurricane strikes, be sure to listen to your local news channel or local radio station with up to date hurricane information and stay alert. Keep track of updates and educate yourself on how emergency services will provide assistance to citizens. Write down important numbers and websites to have all the information you need. Most importantly, always listen to emergency services. If you are told to evacuate the area, do so immediately.


Important websites:






4. Tips

#1  Appliances: Before a storm, turn off all utilities. Unplug major appliances in case they get damaged. Lastly, be sure to turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings. Always keep the doors closed to keep food cold for as long as possible if there is a power outage.


#2  Documents: Keep all your documents up to date. This includes insurance policies, copies of medications, and copies of prescriptions.


#3  Electronics: Be sure to fully charge your electronics and any backup energy sources. Anyone’s power can unexpectedly go out for days on end. Fully charge your electronics before a storm in case of emergencies where you may need to use your devices.


#4  Emergency Kit: Due to stores being crowded and supplies being limited after a hurricane, it’s best to prepare your emergency kit as soon as possible. Be sure to pack supplies that will last you for at least three days. Keep food in your emergency kit cool and have an easy to carry container. You can keep your kit at home, in your car, or even at work.


#5  Hurricane Preparation: Before a hurricane, bring in all outside furniture. Keep them somewhere in your house or in your garage. Be sure to bring your vehicle into your garage as well. If your garage door doesn’t function properly or you don’t have a garage, use a heavy-duty car cover, thick blanket, or tarp to ensure the best possible outcome. If you want an extra layer of security for your home, board up your windows. Even if your windows are boarded up, please stay away from all windows during a hurricane. After a hurricane, stay away from all flooded roads and power lines.


#6  Natural Disasters: Be sure to know how to handle other natural disasters, including but not limited to flooding, storm surge, high winds, rip currents, tsunamis, earthquakes, and tornadoes.


#7  Pets: If you have pets, be sure to make arrangements for them. Please note that some shelters only allow service animals.


#8  Short-term Care: Consider staying at a senior living community if you are concerned about your safety or the safety of a loved one. Senior living communities have put in place enhanced safety protocols and have power generators to ensure your safety.


#9  Staying Comfortable: In the event of a natural disaster, some are exposed to extreme heat and/or extreme cold. Make sure that you have what you need to stay comfortable in harsh weather conditions. In warm weather, be sure to have sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat in your emergency kit, especially those who may be sensitive to the sun.


#10  Tracking: It’s essential to stay safe this way before and after a hurricane. Label contact information with your name, address, and phone number on bags and equipment, including wheelchairs, canes, and walkers.


5. Know you’re not alone

Recovering from the devastation from a hurricane may be frustrating. Know that you’re not alone. After a hurricane, hundreds of thousands of people are without power and are trying to recover from the damage that was caused. On the bright side, many kind individuals are willing to help your family and your community flourish again. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help.


After a hurricane, the sun always shines a little brighter, symbolizing hope, renewal, and regrowth.


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