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.
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.