We should all be prepared for disasters, especially here in Florida!
If we learned anything from the 2022 Hurricane Season, it is to have a plan and be able to act quickly when necessary. Now is the time to talk to your family, friends, and neighbors to make a plan.
Make a plan by assessing your individual situation and unique needs and knowing the resources available in your community. Preparing for emergencies is especially important for older adults who may need to make special arrangements.
Below is information that you can use to build your own Disaster Supply Kit, what to do to be prepared, and some resource links to help you along the way.
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Your “Go Kit”
Pack your go kit to last at least 72 hours. Include the following:
- Food and water
- Medicine
- Important documents in a waterproof container
- Medical records and primary care physician contact information
- Specifics on any medical devices
- Service animal ID, proof of ownership
- Insurance cards
- Bank and credit card numbers
- Copies of birth and/or marriage certificate
- Set of car, house, and office keys
- Important phone numbers (family, friends, caregivers, doctors, veterinarian, pharmacist, banks, schools, an out-of-town contact, transportation provider, and your county emergency management office)
- Personal items
- Any needed equipment (including batteries and medical devices)
- Service animal and/or pet supplies (food, water, proper identification, medical records, carrier, leash, muzzle, medications, food/water bowls)
Visit our store in Lady Lake for important emergency items that may be missing from your Go Kit!
Preparedness Checklist
- Put together your Disaster Supply Kit (for when you stay home)
- Put together your Go Kit (for when you must evacuate)
- Update your Personal Disaster Plan
- Keep your vehicle gas tank full
- Have cash on hand
- Post important phone numbers on your refrigerator and other areas where you live
Evacuation Planning
Know the evacuation zones and routes for your county. Only evacuate if necessary. If you must evacuate, know where you will go (e.g., a relative’s or friend’s house or a hotel outside the impact
area). Do you live in an evacuation zone? Check FloridaDisaster.org/Counties.
Communication Planning:
Make a contact list of important phone numbers (county emergency management office, doctors, caregivers, banks, schools, veterinarian, etc.) and keep several copies handy. Post it on the refrigerator and keep a copy in your Go Kit and Disaster Supply Kit. Include an out-of-town friend or relative on your list – sometimes those in a non-affected area are easier to contact. Keep your phone charged and have an extra charging cord.
Review the tools at floridadisater.org under “blue skies” so we can be ready when an emergency strikes. For additional resources, contact the Elder Helpline (1-800-963-5337) to be connected
to your local Area Agency on Aging.