Hurricane Readiness Tips:
by FAU CARD | Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Develop A Family Plan:
• Address your family’s individualized needs – including communication, medical, evacuation, transportation and disaster supplies. This may include a story board, social narratives, or specific supports for those who may have difficulty in unfamiliar or chaotic environments.
• Have a plan for sheltering at home, staying out of town with friends/family or in a hotel, or staying in a public or special needs shelter. Include plans for family pets and service animals.
• Know your flood and evacuation zones. Keep a current shelter map accessible.
• Create an Emergency Information Card to include information about disability or medical conditions, allergies, medication, medical equipment, assistive devices and any special instructions for each family member.
• Identify ONE out-of-town contact to keep updated following the hurricane. Instruct friends and family to contact that individual for updates. This will save cell phone battery in case of a power outage.
• Practice and review your plan before the hurricane strikes. This will help everyone in your family understand what to expect, remain calm and reduce stress in the event of an actual hurricane.
Build A Kit:
You may need to survive on your own for several days after an emergency event. Your kit should have enough supplies for each member of your family to last 3-5 days.
• Stock your kit with essential items: 1 gallon of water, per person, per day, non-perishable, nutritious foods, health and first-aid items, flashlights, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, whistle, sanitizer, tool kit, plastic garbage bags, pet supplies.
• Consider any medical supplies & equipment, assistive devices, food for specific dietary needs, prescription medicines, and any supplies that you will need to maintain your family’s health and safety.
• Include important documents and cash sealed in a zip lock bag (i.e. emergency contact information, insurance documents, IEP, family records, and identification documents).
• Consider preparing fully-loaded handheld electronic devices loaded with movies and games with charged back-up power banks, sheets with twine or a small, pop-up tent to decrease visual stimulation in a busy room, headphones to reduce auditory distractions, and comfort snacks and toys that meet needs for stimulation.
Emergency Management Contacts:
Indian River County Emergency Management: (772) 567-2154
Martin County Emergency Operations Center: (772) 287-1652
Okeechobee County Emergency Management: (863) 763-3212
Palm Beach County Emergency Information Center: (561) 712-6400
Port St. Lucie Emergency Operations Center: (772) 462-8100