Guide to Hurricane Preparedness

Each year hurricane season begins on June 1st and ends November 30 th , with storms typically peaking in August and September. Knowing the essentials of how to prepare for a storm could truly be a life saver.

Be ready!

  • Make an plan
  • Prepare an emergency water supply
  • Prepare an emergency food and medical supply
  • Gather safety items such as flash lights, battery powered radio, first aid kit
  • Gather personal care products
  • Create a list of important phone numbers such as your doctor, pharmacy etc.
  • Safeguard important documents by having them all in one place and keep them in a water proof container

In addition to the general hurricane safety precautions people with epilepsy have special
needs to consider. Keep yourself safe and teach others how to help you as well. You
can do the following to get ready:

  • Keep your medications with you at all times. When you leave your house, carry a three-day supply of your medications in a safe and waterproof container. This prevents you from missing a dose if you are away from your home.
  • Taking your medications on time can help prevent seizures. If you miss just one dose of medication, you increase your risk of having a seizure(s).
  • Ask your health provider how to make up for a missed dose of your medication.
  • Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry other identification with you. In case you have a seizure while in an emergency shelter, first responders will know how to better assist you during your seizure.
  • Talk with people now (such as your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and school personnel) and teach them how to help you if you have a seizure.
  • Keep a list of your medications, insurance information, and important phone numbers handy, including your health care provider and pharmacy.
  • If possible, learn what triggers your seizures. For some people with epilepsy, seizures can be caused by triggers including flashing lights, sounds, lack of sleep, or stress. Talk with your health care provider about your seizure triggers and how you might avoid them during a crisis.
  • Visit FLGetAPlan.com to learn more about how to prepare yourself, your family, and your pets in the event of an emergency and develop an individual disaster plan

Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/emergency/

Additional resources for hurricane preparedness:

State Assistance Information Line (SAIL):A toll-free hotline activated during severe
weather and other emergencies to provide accurate up-to-date information on
emergency or disaster situations impacting the State of Florida (800)-342-3557

Florida Special Needs Registry:
https://snr.floridadisaster.org/Signin?ReturnUrl=%2f

Florida Department of Health- Special Needs Shelter Program:
http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/disaster-response-resources/spns-index.html

How to ensure medication is safe after a natural disaster:https://www.fda.gov/drugs/emergency-preparedness-drugs/safe-drug-use-after-natural-
disaster

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):Provides assistance before during
and after disasters www.fema.gov