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Patient Information: What To Do When Threatened With Severe Weather or Enforced Evacuation

What should I do if my area is under a Hurricane Watch or Hurricane Warning?

During a Hurricane Watch - begin making preparations (secure food, water, batteries, radio, shelter, medications, personal belongings, etc.). A Hurricane Watch is an announcement for specific coastal areas that hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours.
During a Hurricane Warning - seek shelter at one of the area's shelters, or if possible leave the area. A Hurricane Warning means that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher associated with a hurricane are expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

Will my doctor's office beto assist me with medical questions? If not, where can I obtain medical information?

The office will probably be closed during emergency situations. Pre-planning is extremely important, especially with medications.

What should I do if I have an appointment during a time of emergency and the office is closed?

Call the office after the emergency conditions are over to reschedule your appointment.

After the emergency period can I expect to be contacted by my physician's office to resume my care?

As soon as possible the office staff will try to contact you to reschedule your care.

If my area is under a mandatory evacuation and I need shelter, should I go to Halifax Medical Center or other local hospitals for shelter?

NO. If you need to evacuate, you should first seek shelter with relatives, friends or hotels/motels away from the affected area. Use emergency shelters as a last resort.

Monitor public information systems such as television, radio, newspapers or Web sites for the status and location of emergency shelters in your area.

There are special shelters for patients with special needs. Only emergencies will be treated at local hospitals.

Should I register with the County Emergency Management office?

YES - If you are going to need transportation to a local shelter, or if you are a patient with special needs.
NO - If you have your own sources of transportation and shelter when needed.

Special Needs include:

o Patients requiring oxygen.
o Patients needing assistance with medications.
o Patients with diabetes.
o Patients with lung/respiratory problems.

Contact county emergency management to determine if your medical requirements can be accommodated at the special needs shelter.

If I am a special needs patient, who will assist me with transportation needs?

If you are a special needs patient, or you need transportation to a local shelter, you need to register in advance with Volusia or Flagler County Emergency Management.

If you need transportation to a local shelter in Volusia County, please contact Votran, 386-756-7496 in Daytona Beach, 386-424-6800 in Southeast Volusia, or 386-943-7033 in West Volusia.

How do I register in advance with the County Emergency Management Office in my area?

To register or for more information about county shelter locations, special needs shelters, transportation and preparing for severe weather contact:

Volusia County Emergency Management
49 Keyton Dr., Daytona Beach, FL 32124
(386) 258-4088 Daytona Beach o (386) 736-5980 West Volusia
o (386) 423-3395 New Smyrna Beach
Toll Free Citizen’s Hotline - call ONLY during an actual emergency/disaster, (866) 345-0345
www.volusia.org/emergency

Flagler County Emergency Management
1200 E. Moody Blvd., #8, Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 437-7381
Call ONLY during an actual emergency/disaster
Emergency Information Line (386) 437-8202
www.flagleremergency.com

DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM
When evacuating to a shelter, bring the following items:

1. ALL REQUIRED MEDICATIONS AND MEDICAL SUPPORT EQUIPMENT: wheelchair/walker, oxygen, feeding equipment, ostomy, etc. Any specific medication or care instructions. Name, phone number of physician/home health agency/hospital where you receive your care. Your caregiver should accompany you to the shelter.

2. SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS: only regular meals will be provided.

3. SLEEPING GEAR: pillows, blankets, portable cot or air mattress, folding chairs.

4. IMPORTANT PAPERS: i.e., insurance papers, doctor’s orders.

5. IDENTIFICATION: with photo and current address.

6. CASH: check cashing/credit card services may not be available for several days after the storm. BUT don’t bring too much! There will be no place to secure money or valuables at the shelter.

7. COMFORT ITEMS: personal hygiene items, snacks, small games, cards, etc.

8. EXTRA CLOTHING: an extra set of comfortable clothing and a few extra sets of underwear and socks.

Remember:

A shelter is a lifeboat, not a cruise ship, and like a lifeboat, should only be used as a last resort.

If you have completed a special needs registration form, you are registered with the County Emergency Management office. In the event of an evacuation, you may receive an automated phone call instructing you on what to do. If you do not receive a call, contact the office in your area.

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