Hurricane Prep Guide: A Comprehensive Checklist for All Floridians

Living in Florida means being prepared for hurricane season is essential. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or someone with special needs, having a solid hurricane preparedness plan can make all the difference. This Hurricane Preparedness Checklist is designed to help all Floridians, including individuals with disabilities or special medical needs, take the necessary steps to stay safe before, during, and after a storm.

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Medication Requirement: All Floridians should take some basic steps to plan for their personal and family needs and protection in case of a disaster or emergency. Individuals with disabilities or special needs often face unique challenges that require more detailed planning.

• Form Your Personal Support Network:
  • Give at least one trusted member of your Personal Support Network a key to your house or apartment.
  • Show members of your support group where you store your emergency kit and explain what is included.
  • Have at least three or more people in your network.
  • Arrange for more than one person in your Personal Support Network to check on you in an emergency.
  • Teach caregivers, Personal Support Network members, and anyone who may assist you in an emergency how to operate necessary equipment .
• Complete a Personal Assessment:
  • Make a list of your personal needs and your resources for meeting them in a disaster environment. This should include daily living needs such as personal care/personal care equipment, adaptive feeding devices, and electricity-dependent equipment.
• Get Educated, Get Informed:
  • Know the specific hazards that threaten your community (hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, etc.).
  • Learn about community disaster plans and community warning systems.
  • Learn your community’s evacuation routes.
• Register with Your Local/County Emergency Management Office.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit.
• Considerations for People with Disabilities/Special Needs:
  • Contact your physician to discuss emergency planning.
  • Know how to connect and start a back-up power supply for essential medical equipment.
  • If you use an electric wheelchair or scooter, have a manual wheelchair as a back-up.
  • Label medical equipment, assistive devices, and any other necessary equipment and attach laminated instructions for equipment use. Also include your identification information.
  • Store back-up equipment (mobility, medical, etc.) at an alternate location (friend’s, family member’s, neighbor’s, or caregiver’s home, school, or workplace).
  • If you have visual/sensory disabilities, plan for someone to convey essential emergency information to you if you are unable to use the television or radio.
  • If you use a personal care attendant from a home healthcare agency, check to see if the agency has special provisions for emergencies (i.e., providing services at another location should an evacuation be ordered).
  • If you live in an apartment, ask the management to identify and mark accessible exits and access to all areas designated for emergency shelter or safe rooms.
  • Have a cell phone with an extra battery.
  • Learn about devices and other technology available to assist you in receiving emergency instructions and warnings from local officials.
  • Consider getting a medical alert system that will allow you to call for help if you are immobilized in an emergency.
• Have a Plan for Your Pets.
• Utilities:
  • Know how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity at the main switches and valves.
  • Keep any tools you will need near gas and water shut-off valves.
  • Show caregivers, personal support network members, and everyone in your household how to shut off utilities when necessary.
  • Turn off utilities only if you suspect lines are damaged or if local officials instruct you to do so.
• Safety Devices:
  • Be sure your caregivers and everyone in the household know where your fire extinguishers are located and how to use them.
  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially near the bedrooms.
  • Individuals with sensory disabilities should consider installing smoke alarms with strobe lights and vibrating pads.
  • Several times a year, test your smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly.
• Insurance Coverage:
  • Check with your insurance agent or carrier to make sure you have adequate insurance coverage.
• Important Records & Documents:
  • Keep copies of important family records and other documents (birth and marriage certificates, Social Security cards, passports, wills, deeds, financial, insurance, medical/immunization records, and copies of current bills) in a safe deposit box or other safe location.
• First Aid/CPR & AED:
  • Take first aid and CPR/AED classes (American Red Cross courses can accommodate people with disabilities – just discuss your needs when registering for the classes).
• Inventory Home Possessions:
  • Make a record of your possessions – in writing or video – to help you claim reimbursement in case of loss or damage.
• Reduce Home Hazards:
  • Keep the shut-off switch for oxygen equipment near your bed or chair so you can get to it quickly if there is a fire.
  • Have defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections repaired.
  • Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
  • Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds.
  • Have cracks in ceilings and foundations repaired.
• Secure Water Supply:
  • Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
  • Consider keeping additional water supplies for any pets.
  • Identify sources of water in your home that can be used in an emergency, such as ice cubes and the water heater tank.
• Food Storage:
  • Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
  • Choose foods that do not require refrigeration, preparation, or cooking, and use minimal water.
  • Include a manual can opener with your food supplies.
  • Consider any dietary restrictions or special needs of your household members.
  • Keep a supply of pet food if you have pets.
• Communication Plan:
  • Establish a communication plan with family and friends.
  • Designate an out-of-town contact who can help coordinate information among separated family members.
  • Ensure every household member knows how to send and receive emergency text messages from local authorities.
  • Prepare written instructions for how to turn off utilities and operate backup power equipment, and share these with your support network.
  • Keep extra batteries and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed.
• Emergency Sheltering:
  • Know the location of your nearest emergency shelter.
  • Familiarize yourself with the shelter’s accessibility features, including ramps, elevators, and designated areas for people with disabilities.
  • Plan for transportation to the shelter if needed, considering any special equipment or assistance you may require.

Final Thoughts on Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricanes can be unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Taking these proactive steps now can make all the difference in how well you and your loved ones weather the storm.

We’re Here for Your Hurricane Protection Needs

At Liberty Impact Window & Doors, we’re here for all your impact window needs. As Treasure Coast’s premier window and door company, we proudly feature ES Windows and Doors to help elevate and protect your property when it matters most.

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