The 2007 Hurricane Season has been predicted as potentially being one of the worst in decades. Since we are still very early in the season, most storm systems have been disorganized and have not been much of a threat anywhere on the Florida peninsula with the exception of Tropical Storm Barry. “Barry” was short lived as it lost its “oomph” when even before making landfall. However, it only takes ONE STORM to change the lives of Floridians forever. If you’re not already prepared, GET READY NOW!

Advisories, Watches and Warnings!

A hurricane WATCH is issued when hurricane conditions could be experienced within 36 hrs. This should trigger your disaster plan.

A hurricane WARNING is issued when hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. Once a warning has been issued, complete your “last minute” packing and review your evacuation plans. Be sure to listen to the media for changing weather conditions.

Planning Ahead!

ALL residents should already have a disaster plan in place. This plan should include both a disaster “kit” as well as evacuation plans. It’s important that everyone make evacuation plans. Persons who are considered to be particularly vulnerable to these threats are those that; Live Alone and need transportation, In Mobile Homes, Low Lying Areas, Have special care requirements (especially those dependent on electrically operated medical equipment/life support.)

Evacuation Planning

Follow these steps:

•Discuss your medical/disabling condition with your doctor to determine what you will need.

•Pre-determine your evacuation destination at the beginning of hurricane season each year.

•When evacuating to a SpNS, transportation should be provided upon request. This however, may differ from county to county. Please contact your local Emergency Management Special Needs Coordinator for more county-specific information.

Though this article is focusing specifically on hurricane preparedness, disasters come in all shapes and sizes, including accidents, fires and power loss. So, keep the Special Needs Program phone number near your phone or programmed into your phone, if possible.

For more information, you can visit the following websites:

www.fladisaster.org

www.noaa.com

or visit the FRC website at www.frc4kids.org

Knowing the “Why, When and Where” of Evacuations

When making your evacuation plans, it is important to consider a variety of options.

WHY? Storms veer of course, storms do NOT always lose strength after hitting land, and emergency crews cannot get to you after the wind speed hits 39-45 mph.

WHEN? You must evacuate when evacuations are mandated for people living in flood zones, low-lying areas, or manufactured/mobile homes when a Tropical Storm or Hurricane warning threatens to hit the area of where you live. Oftentimes, it is necessary to evacuate those individuals with special needs as well. People who require assistance with their daily care or have equipment that requires electricity, may need to evacuate. “Riding out the storm” in your home may mean that you are stuck in your home without power for days or even weeks! Families who require assistance with their child’s care may be without that assistance for a period of time. It could be quite awhile until the roads are considered passable. Remember, if you can’t leave your home, no one can get in! This may mean that a special care shelter evacuation is necessary no matter what type of home or what area you live in. (Even with a back-up battery, there is no guarantee that power will be restored to re-charge the battery when it gets low.) You MUST evacuate when the order is issued, not after the storm begins. BY THEN IT IS TOO LATE!!

WHERE? Families should first try to utilize their natural supports (family and friends) for sheltering. When considering this option, these supports should reside outside of the affected area.

Because storms are so difficult to predict, it is recommended that families put a few potential plans together. It is better to have more than one option since there is no guarantee of the exact path that the storm will take. It is vitally important that families make realistic plans. Other things to consider may be: Do you currently have reliable transportation? Does your family have the finances to be able to reach their goal? How about pets? Can family pets accompany them or does the family have to make other arrangements for them? If the house is not safe for you, it is not safe for your animals either.

The SpNS program will contact those registrants and advise them of their assigned shelter. The best way to know the location of your closest public shelter is for families to watch their local news stations for shelter activation and location.

Disaster Kit Preparation

Every family of a child with Special Health Care Needs should have a disaster “kit” prepared, whether they plan to stay at home, evacuate to a safer environment, or go to a public or Special Needs shelter during the threat of a hurricane. Also, personal disaster kits should be prepared for each person in the home. When putting your kit together, please consider all aspects of your child’s care. Besides the typical disaster kit of food, water and clothing, you will need to bring your child’s medical equipment and 3-7 days worth of related supplies.

Some Items to Bring:

Personal and medical identification

Daily prescription/non-prescription medicine for 3-7 days

Special items such as: wheelchairs, feeding/IV pumps and related supplies, patient lifts, nebulizer machines and related supplies, special foods/formulas, bolus syringes, etc.

Blanket, pillow, folding chair, cot, and/or sleeping bag (think camping!) Favorite toys, books, blankets, portable DVD players w/ DVD’s

Personal hygiene items such as towels, washcloths, toothbrush, toothpaste, diapers, bed pads, special care cleansers, soaps and creams, etc.

Original or yellow copy of a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) order

Portable oxygen tanks (no liquid) Extra batteries for equipment and toys

If your child is technology dependent, he/she should be registered with your local Special Needs Shelter (SpNS) program. It is also important to register for the SpNS early. The shelters plan staffing and back-up medical supplies around their registered clients. Check with local officials to check on sheltering for your pet.

Last Minute Checks

Create a checklist to be sure you have everything.

Get Set, Get Ready, Go!

Remember: plan ahead and make realistic plans for you and your family. For the child with special health care needs, it is imperative that a workable plan be in place. Their life just may depend on it!