Hurricane Tips for Veterans and Their Families

Operation Rubix in Sarasota helps veterans and their families with a range of treatments, therapy, and mental health assistance. We also work to educate our veterans on how to live a quality life in our area. With hurricane season upon us, it’s important for veterans and families to have a hurricane safety plan in place so they can respond quickly if a tropical system approaches.

The National Hurricane Center website is an excellent source of information about current storms in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea.

Hurricane

When a tropical system is potentially threatening an area, the NHC will issue a Hurricane Watch. This means a tropical threat is possible in the next 48 hours.
When a hurricane with sustained winds above 74 mph is expected in the next 36 hours, a Hurricane Warning will be issued.

Planning for hurricane season is best done before a storm arrives. Even though Florida is now in the hurricane season, veterans and their families still have time to develop their hurricane plan. Here are some things to consider:

  • Find a safe area in your home or in your local community in the event a hurricane arrives.
  • Don’t stay in your home if you are in a manufactured home, trailer, or flood-prone areas.
  • Develop emergency escape routes to get to a safe area. Have more than one route to allow for flooding or roads blocked by debris.
  • Designate a friend or family member who lives in another state as an emergency contact. If any of your family cannot reach you, have them leave messages for you with that contact.
  • Make plans for your pets either to remain with you in a shelter or to be placed with friends in a safer area.
  • Keep emergency phone numbers near your phone and teach your children how to dial 911.
  • Know your insurance coverage for your home. Although it is too late for this season, consider flood insurance to provide the coverage your insurance policy doesn’t cover.
  • Keep a supply of non-perishable food, water, medications, and first aid supplies. Also, have battery-operated lights and extra batteries.
  • Buy an NOAA weather radio. Replace its batteries before each hurricane season.
  • Consider whether first aid or CPR training is helpful for your family or neighbors.

The VA has a hurricane preparedness page that has information available about hurricane preparedness for veterans and families.

If you are a veteran in the greater Sarasota area and need services or counseling, contact Operation Rubix today for more information at 941-330-4240 or info@operationrubix.org.


Contact

sarasota veteran professional organizations
5824 Bee Ridge Rd
PMB 443
Sarasota, FL 34233


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