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While summer months usher in sunshine and vacation time, do not
forget, hurricane season has officially arrived. Seasoned
Floridians may know to stock up on bottled water and canned
goods, but preparation goes beyond the pantry. “Living in a
hurricane prone state, we cannot afford hurricane fatigue,” says
Connie Bowles, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator for Lee
Memorial Health System. Hurricane fatigue is when the frequency
of hurricanes causes coastal residents to ignore orders to
evacuate or stock supplies.
Here are Connie’s tips on how to prepare:
Have a plan: Buy supplies now. Do not wait until that
last-minute rush when you’re constantly weighing, “Should I
evacuate?” Arm yourself with supplies to secure your home.
Gather an evacuation kit, or write a hurricane checklist, an “in
case of evacuation, grab this …”
Fill your prescription medications: Connie has seen men
and women break their pills in half, trying to make their
medicine last until disaster clears. Florida law now enables
pharmacies to fill prescriptions in advance, if authorized
refills remain and the National Weather Service issues a
hurricane warning. “Keep all your medications with you, not just
a three-day supply,” Connie says.
Plan for your pet: “Many people do not evacuate because
they will not leave their best friend behind,” says Connie, who
suggests researching pet-friendly hotels now.
Have a family emergency communication plan: In case
family
members are separated when disaster strikes—parents at work,
kids at camp—have a plan to meet after the storm. “Just like the
fire mentality,” Connie says, “Everybody get out of the house
and meet at the tree.”
Write down phone numbers: Without electricity, you will
not be
able to charge cell phone. “Everybody says, ‘Oh, it’s in my
phone,’” says Connie, who recommends carrying a paper copy of
contact numbers. Consider appointing an out-of-state relative as
a contact person, as long-distance calls may connect easier than
local attempts.
Locate shelters: Familiarize yourself with public
shelters now. If
medical conditions require the need of a special care shelter,
be sure to have written permission from your physician in
advance. For a list of the available shelters, please refer to
Lee County Emergency Operations Center Web site:
www.leeeoc.com.
“Have cash on hand and refill your gas tank,” Connie
adds, “And in case of an injury, remember, we’re here. Go to one
of Lee Memorial Health System’s emergency departments or a Lee
Convenient Care clinic.”
For more information,
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