Disability Rights Florida Blog

Make a Plan: Disaster Preparedness & Hurricane Season

Monday, August 08, 2022

What is Disaster Preparednesswarning sign with bad weather symbols for flooding, tornadoes and fires

Here in Florida, we are used to living with the three “H’s,” Hurricanes, Heat and Humidity. However, those aren’t the only disasters we need to prepare for. Events like wildfires, floods, severe weather and even sinkholes can disrupt our lives at any given moment. As a result, we should be prepared for these disasters. Disaster preparedness is a continuous process of planning, equipping and training yourself and your family to be ready for a disaster. Disaster preparedness is not just during hurricane season but occurs throughout the year. Since disasters never take a holiday, neither does disaster preparedness.

When is Hurricane Season?

Hurricane Season is from June 1 to November 30. It usually peaks in Florida during August to October. However, on rare occasions, there may be a tropical cyclone in May or December.

How you can prepare

It is much harder to prepare for a hurricane or other disaster when it strikes. Now is the best time to start preparing. Below are some ways to start:

  • Put your disaster kit together for all members of your family.

  • Prepare a kit for your pets and service animal.

  • Decide if, when, where and how you will evacuate.
  • Know your zones (flood and evacuation).
  • Take pictures of your home and valuables. It will help when filing any insurance claims.
  • Make sure your homeowners or renters’ insurance is up to date.

How can you protect yourself during a storm?graphic of a person holding a clipboard. they are checking off a list of disaster preparedness items that they are reviewing on a shelf in front of them.

When sheltering in place at home, remember the following tips during and after the storm,

  • Use your generator safely (outside)
  • Stay inside during the storm, even if it seems calm outside
  • Stay away from windows
  • Be ready to evacuate if it becomes necessary or emergency authorities tell you to leave

Another important to protect yourself during a storm is by having the necessay supplies. Take time in advance to build a disaster kit including:  

  • At least 2 weeks of prescription and needed over the counter medication

  • Any durable medical equipment (DME) you may need, including items used for repair
  • Multiple flashlights
  • Radio (battery operated)
  • NOAA Weather Radio (battery operated)
  • Plenty of batteries and types (AA, AAA, D, C, etc.)
  • Plenty of food, medications, toys, ID and supplies for your pets and service animal
  • First aid kit
  • Copies of important documents
    • Insurance cards (health and homeowners)
    • Medical and prescription drug information
    • Vaccination records for any pets or service animals
  • Non-perishable food for at least seven days (canned food, snacks, special dietary food, etc.)
  • Water (1 gallon per person/day)
  • Manual can opener
  • Sensory and distraction items and toys

Additional things people with disabilities should be mindful of 

  • You may find yourself more comfortable sheltering in a Special Needs Shelter. Learn more about shelters near you, requirements, sign ups, etc. on the Florida Disaster Disability page.

    • Sometimes during disasters, it may be necessary to evacuate to a disaster shelter. The disaster shelter experience is not guaranteed to be a comfortable or relaxing time during and after a disaster. Think of a shelter as a lifeboat to get through the worst part of the disaster, and not a cruise ship. Staying in a shelter maybe a stressful event. Disaster shelters are usually noisy, cramped and hot. Unless it is a Special Needs Shelter, it may not have power. 

  • It may take more time to make preparations for service animals, health equipment, medications, mobility aids, etc. Start thinking now about what you'll need to have in order later. 

  • Be very careful in cleaning up after a disaster. Lots of injuries occur post-disaster from people trying to remove trees and debris or cleaning out your house. Ask for assistance and exercise caution when cleaning.

  • Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center after the storm to request Individual Assistance from FEMA.

Disaster Preparedness Beyond Hurricane Season

In Florida, we are impacted by disasters other than hurricanes. Wildfire season usually occurs between March and June. We can also have flash floods and severe weather events like tornadoes that can occur anytime and may require sudden evacuation. Always be ready and have an emergency “go bag” on-hand in case of a no-notice event.

We hope that by providing more awareness about disaster preparedness as we head into the thick of hurricane season that the disability community can stay safe. Please share any relevant resources with your family, friends, loved ones, and community. That information will keep them safer in the next natural disaster.

Disaster Preparedness Resources

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