Hurricane season is here, and we all know the standard advice: stock up on water, batteries, and canned food. But when you are caring for someone with a disability, preparing for a storm requires a lot more planning, and you cannot wait until a storm has a name to get started.
Disability Rights Florida just released a fantastic, highly practical guide for families. Here are a few key things you should be doing right now, before peak season hits in August:
- Register with the Florida Special Needs Registry: This helps county emergency management agencies plan for residents who may need help during an evacuation or in a shelter. Remember, registering does not guarantee a spot in a special needs shelter or a ride, but it gets you in the system so the county can review your needs.
- Know the emergency prescription laws: Florida has laws that require insurers to waive “refill too soon” blocks when your county is under a hurricane warning or state of emergency. Pharmacists also have some authority to provide emergency 72 hour or 30 day supplies if they cannot reach your prescriber.
- Enroll in your utility’s medical program: FPL, Tampa Electric, and Duke Energy all have programs for households that depend on electricity powered medical equipment. It will not guarantee your power stays on, but it can provide advance notice of planned interruptions and protection from disconnection.
- Test your backup power: “Buy a generator” is not a complete plan. You need to know exactly how long your equipment’s battery actually lasts and whether it can safely run on an alternate power source. Test it before you need it.
You can read the full, detailed guide at Disability Rights Florida.