South Florida residents learn quickly about the importance of traditional hurricane preparedness: putting up hurricane shutters or boarding up the windows, getting cash, filling up their gas tanks, filling prescriptions, buying non-perishable food and plenty of drinking water, stocking non-drinking water for general use, having flashlights, batteries and a battery-operated radio on hand.

The state of Florida, Miami-Dade county and the University of Miami all have Web resources available to assist residents, visitors, students and employees with preparing for and recovering from hurricanes.  Visit the sites below for more information.

www.metro-dade.com/oem/

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/alternatesites/cms-kids/earlysteps/documents/shelters.pdf

www.miami.edu/UMH/CDA/UMH_Main/1,1770,19025-1;20070-3,00.html

University employees should visit http://www.miami.edu/UMH/CDA/UMH_Main/1,1770,19025-1;20069-3,00.html for instructions regarding job-related responsibilities.

 

Coping with Hurricanes through Preparedness and Understanding

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a traumatic event is any event or series of events that causes a lot of stress.  Traumatic events often create a profound sense of horror and helplessness.  They may result in serious injury, death, or threat of injury or death.  Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, can be traumatic for those who experience them.   In Florida, June 1 – November 30 is considered hurricane season.  For some, especially those who have experienced previous trauma due to a hurricane, this time of year brings a sense of dread and anxiety.  Being proactive can help increase a sense of control.  Being prepared is a way to cope with the feelings of anxiety and dread.

Hurricanes affect a lot of people.  Whether you are a survivor, rescue worker, family member, co-worker or friend, a hurricane can produce an array of physiological and emotional responses.  Though responses vary widely, feelings of fear, grief and depression are common.   In addition, physical and behavioral responses such as nausea, dizziness, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns and emotional reactivity may occur.  Such symptoms are considered normal reactions to a traumatic event.  Most people report feeling better after three months.  However, listed below are some ways to reduce the negative impact of a traumatic experience and to promote recovery.  If you are concerned about the changes you experience, contact the Employee Assistance Program at 305-284-6604 for help.  The EAP can also provide guidance and assistance with mentally and emotionally preparing for a potentially traumatic experience, such as a hurricane.

 

Coping with the trauma a hurricane can bring:

• Be prepared for the worst (see below for hurricane readiness and disaster kit checklists)
• Expect to be emotionally affected
• Avoid the use of drugs and alcohol
• Understand that your symptoms are most likely normal
• Recognize that there are things you cannot control; focus on what you can control
• Try to build structure and follow a routine as much as possible
• Remember that you are not alone
• Take care of yourself
• Educate yourself about hurricanes and what to expect
• Seek assistance and support

 

Helping children cope with a hurricane:

• Tell your child that it is okay to feel upset
• Maintain your own composure and express confidence that everything will be okay
• Try to have fun: play games, enjoy the time together
• Involve your child in preparing for the hurricane
• Find ways to protect your child from unnecessary exposure to traumatic stimuli such as media coverage of the devastation and others’ reactions
• Assure your child that his/her responses (symptoms) are normal
• Encourage your child to express thoughts and feelings
• Be supportive and don’t make judgments
• Return to daily routines as much as possible, as soon as possible

 

For additional information, visit:

www.nimh.nih.gov

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/traumaticmenu.cfm

www.fema.gov

www.fema.gov/kids

 

Hurricane Warnings, Watches and Advisories:

Visit www.floridadisaster.org for definitions of these terms and other helpful information

*  Hurricane Watch                                    *  Hurricane Tropical Storm Warning/Watch

*  Tropical Depression                                * Gale Warning

*  Storm Warning                                       *  Small Craft Advisory

*  Small Craft Exercise Caution                   *  Marine Weather Statements

 

Hurricane Readiness Checklist

Hurricane readiness should begin long before an event occurs.  Prepare far in advance for the possible dangers to health and safety resulting from a hurricane by:

• Learning about your community’s emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes and locations of emergency shelters.
• Taking a first aid and CPR course.

 

You should also prepare for a weather emergency by taking the following actions:

• Complete your home Disaster Kit
• Identify potential home hazards that could develop during a hurricane, such as those involving gas, electricity, chemicals and structural damage.
• Install a smoke detector and check it monthly.
• Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it.
• Conduct an evacuation drill for at least two ways out of your home.
• Provide escape ladders for multi-story structures.
• Establish an assembly point where the family meets in the event of fire or if a disaster occurs when the family is not together at home.
• Give your relatives and friends the name of a contact person who will know where you are and how you are doing.
• Know the location of your important papers, such as insurance policies, wills, licenses, stocks, etc.
• Instruct family members about how to shut off the gas, water and electric mains.
• Post emergency phone numbers at every phone.
• Inform local authorities about the special needs of elders, bedridden people or anyone with a disability.

Visit www.cdc.gov/nceh for more information

 

Disaster Supply Kit

Food – at least enough for 3 – 7 days

• Non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices
• Drinking water
• Food for infants and the elderly
• Snack foods
• Non-electric can opener
• Cooking tools and fuel
• Paper plates, paper towels, plastic utensils, plastic garbage bags

 

Toiletries – hygiene items

• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Dentures, glasses, and hearing aids
• Deodorant and soap
• Shaving equipment
• Disposable incontinence and other necessary personal hygiene supplies
• Shampoo
• Wash cloth and hand towel
• Moisture wipes
• Toilet paper

 

Important documents – in a waterproof container

• Insurance, medical records, bank account numbers
• Document all valuables by videotape if possible
• Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise to do so
• List of family physicians
• List of phone numbers of family, friends, pharmacy, caregiver, and business contacts
• List of important family information such as the style and serial number of medical devices

 

Pets

• Plan where pets will stay, and have a back-up plan
• Pet carriers as needed
• Food, water, and other supplies such as litter and newsprint
• A supply of your pet’s medicine

 

Other Supply Kit items

• Flashlight and batteries
• Bug repellent
• Water purification tablets in a plastic bag
• Battery-operated radio
• Credit cards
• Cash
• An extra pair of glasses
• Toys, books, magazines and games
• Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags
• Clothing, including rain gear and sturdy shoes
• First Aid Kit, Medicines, Prescription drugs
• Items for babies, the disabled, the elderly
• Tools
• Keys
• Ice
• Cooler
• Grill and fuel
• Vehicle fuel tanks filled

 

Keep the following in your car

• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Booster cables
• Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)
• Bottled water and non-perishable high-energy folds, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter
• Maps
• Tools
• Tire repair kit and pump
• Flares

 

Visit www.floridadisaster.org for more information.