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

What should I do if the area is under a tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning?

During a watch - begin making preparations (secure food, water, batteries, radio, shelter, personal belongings, etc.)

During a warning - seek shelter if you are asked to by officials. If you live in a storm surge zone, low-lying/flood prone area, mobile/manufactured home or recreational vehicle, require a respiratory or other electric dependent medical equipment, you should go to a shelter, or if possible, leave the area for someplace safe.

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 likely try to contact you to reschedule your appointment. Please call them if you have questions.

If I need shelter and my area is under a mandatory evacuation, should I go to a hospital for shelter?

NO. Only medical emergencies will be treated at the local hospitals. If you need to evacuate, you should first seek shelter with relatives, friends or hotels/motels. Use emergency shelters as a last resort.

Which shelters areand when will be announced by county emergency management when there is an impending threat or severe weather, via newspapers, radio, and television.

Should I register in advance with the County Emergency Management office?

YES. If you need transportation to a local shelter or if you are a patient with special needs.

NO. If you have your own source of transportation and shelter, if needed.

Special Needs include:

o Patients requiring oxygen.
o Patients needing assistance with medications.
o Patients who have diabetes.
o Patients who have 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 in Volusia County, please contact Votran at (386) 322-5100 in Daytona Beach, (386) 424-6800 in Southeast Volusia, or (386) 943-7033 in West Volusia. To register in Flagler County, contact Emergency Management at (386) 437-7381 or online at www.flagleremergency.com.

What should I do with my pet?

To discuss sheltering assistance for your pet(s), call Volusia County Animal Services at (386) 248-1790 in Daytona Beach, (386) 423-3369 in Southeast Volusia, or (386) 740-5241 in West Volusia. In Flagler County, contact Emergency Management at (386) 437-7381 or online at www.flagleremergency.com.

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

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

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

Flagler County
Emergency Management
1200 E. Moody Blvd., #8, Bunnell, FL 32110
(386) 437-7381
Flagler County
Emergency Information Line
Call only during emergency/disaster
(386) 437-8202 or (386) 586-5111
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.

More detailed information is available in the Disaster Preparedness Guide for Volusia County residents online at www.volusia.org/emergency and for Flagler County residents at www.flagleremergency.com.

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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