What Should I Do When A Watch or Warning Is Issued?

When a HURRICANE WATCH is issued, it means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. The hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. This watch should trigger your family’s disaster plan, and proactive measures should be initiated especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc.

When a HURRICANE WARNING is issued, it means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area. The hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing proactive actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.

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Make A Plan

The best time to prepare for an emergency is well ahead of time. When you prepare from a position of safety and calm, you and your caregivers can better cope with an emergency or disaster situation when it happens. An emergency or disaster may present unique challenges for people with disabilities and special needs. If you or someone you care for has a disability or special need, you may have to take additional steps to prepare yourself and your family.

Here’s what you need to get ready for an emergency or disaster:

1. Form a Personal Support Network: These are the people you should involve in your emergency planning and can help you in an emergency situation. They include your nearby family, friends, caregivers, neighbors and co-workers. Be sure to give at least one trusted member of your support network a key to your house or apartment. Also, let members of your support group know where you store your emergency kit. Most importantly, you should not rely on just one person, but have at least three or more people you can call on for help.

2. Complete a Personal Assessment: Make a list of your personal needs and your resources for meeting them in a disaster environment. You need to take into account what you will be able to do for yourself and what assistance you may need before, during and after a disaster such as a hurricane. This should include daily living needs (personal care/personal care equipment, adaptive feeding devices and electricity-dependent equipment), your ability to get around before, during and after a disaster (cleaning up disaster debris, transportation and blocked roads) and evacuating if necessary.

3. Get Informed: Know about the specific hazards that threaten your community (hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, etc.), learn about community disaster plans and community warning systems and find out more about special assistance programs. Florida citizens with disabilities and special needs should register with their local emergency management office. More information on your local emergency management office can be found in the links below.

4. Write It Down: Keep a copy of important phone numbers and other contact information for loved ones, medical providers and emergency services as part of your emergency communications plan.

5. Create an Emergency Kit: Your emergency kit should have supplies specific to your special needs. A complete list of suggested items can be found at our Disaster Supply Kit Checklist page.

Evacuation Considerations

Many times evacuations are ordered at the last minute, leaving little to no time to prepare. As part of your emergency plan, you and your family should have several evacuation routes and options that can help get you out of harm’s way regardless of the potential hazard. Below is a list of tips to help you determine what evacuation route(s) suits you best.

Determine Your Evacuation Options

One of the most important decisions made during an emergency situation is whether to evacuate or stay in your home or current location. Determining factors such as your unique circumstances and the nature of the emergency should be carefully evaluated before either option is decided upon. As a person with disabilities/special needs or a caregiver of individuals with special needs, your disaster plan should consider and have options for both situations.

If an evacuation is ordered make sure you have several options and different locations you can seek refuge. Your evacuation options should include a number of different places you could stay that are located throughout the region and even out of state. Should a natural disaster suddenly turn for the worst, putting one of your evacuation options in harm’s way, you could still have a safe place to go. Be sure to make a list of general population shelters, homes of friends, family or even a private caregiver whose facility you could use in case of an mandatory evacuation. Reach out to family or friends who are unlikely to be evacuated from their homes and obtain their commitment to share their homes with you. This list should also include the emergency contact numbers and addresses for all your evacuation options for easy reference when you need the information most.

Personal Assessment – Will You Need Special Assistance?

As part of your emergency preparation, all Floridians with disabilities/special needs should consider conducting a personal assessment of their daily activities to determine if special assistance to evacuate their homes is necessary. Do you need assistance leaving your home or office? Will you be able to evacuate independently without relying on an auditory alert? Are there other options for you to leave your home or office if the elevator no longer is in service? Would you be able to relocate if your mobility aid suddenly malfunctions?

If you are uncertain about answers to any of these questions, it is vital you call your local emergency management office and see if you are eligible to sign-up for the special needs registry. Preregistration to this service is invaluable. Do not wait until a disaster is imminent to find out what your options are – even if you think you would only use it as a last resort.

Transportation Arrangements

If you are not capable of driving yourself, it is necessary that you make arrangements for transportation well in advance of a disaster situation. If family, friends, neighbors or other caregivers agree to transport you, make sure they can accommodate any supplies you might need to take with you. For a complete list of supplies and how to build your own Emergency Kit.

Map Your Evacuation Routes

Once you have determined your geographically varied evacuation locations, map out how you or your agreed transporter could get to each location. Keep in mind all of the obstacles that might come along with travel during an emergency such as traffic, weather conditions, road closures, down power lines and other obstructions. While you cannot predict where these incidents or travel hazards might occur, your evacuation routes should provide several other options should your evacuation be jeopardized.

Share Your Evacuation Plans

Whether it be a family member, friend, caregiver or doctor, make sure several people are aware of your evacuation plans should an emergency happen. Give these plans to your Personal Support network and those who would be assisting you or concerned for your safety.

Hurricane Season

What Should I Do When A Watch or Warning Is Issued?

Make A Plan