Be Hurricane Prepared
Example of an outer band of a hurricane
Hurricane Season is June 1 to November 30. Never underestimate the value of being prepared! Check out the information below to learn more about hurricanes and what you can do to prepare.
Personal Preparedness Checklist
Your personal preparedness checklist should include enough supplies for about two weeks.
Water – 18.5 gallons of water per person (0.5 gallon for drinking and two gallons for bathing)
Food – Ready-to-eat canned foods, shelf-stable snacks and beverages
Medicine – Your prescription medication, a first aid kit that contains aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever, antacid, antiseptic, scissors and insect repellent
Personal hygiene/care items – toilet paper, towels, soap, shampoo, denture needs, eyeglasses and sun protection
Other supplies – battery-operated radio, flashlight and batteries (including batteries for hearing aids), non-electric can opener, portable cooler and ice, plastic trash bags, tarp or sheet plastic, cleaning supplies such as bleach, paper napkins, plates and cups, pillows and blankets, and duct tape.
Pets. Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate, to include identifying the closest shelter in your area.
Tip: Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact so all your family members have a single point of contact.
Prescription Medications
- Keep a list of all medications in your personal preparedness kit.
- Keep a 15-day supply of medication and supplies on hand. Do not allow your supply to go below 15 days.
- For medications requiring refrigeration, make sure you have a small portable cooler or ice chest ready for easy transport if needed.
- If you evacuate, bring prescription bottles – whether full or empty – of all medications that you are currently taking with you.
- If you have an urgent need for a prescription refill and your VA hospital or clinic is closed, contact the pharmacy at the facility where you are enrolled for care for directions on what to do. You can also go to that facility’s website for information.
For the most current information, visit the VISN 8 Pharmacy page at http://www.visn8.va.gov/VISN8/services/pharmacy.asp
Pharmacy Contact Information
North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS) - http://www.northflorida.va.gov/
To Auto Refill or speak to a Pharmacy representative, call (352) 374-6196 or toll free (800) 349-9457. Both phone numbers will take you to the automated system.
Follow-Up Care & Scheduled Appointments When Your VA Facility Is Closed
- If your VA appointment is cancelled because your VA hospital or clinic is closed, contact the facility where you are enrolled for care for rescheduling.
- If You Are Evacuated.
- For urgent care needs that require Continuing Care while you are evacuated, contact the facility where you are enrolled for care. If those phone lines are down and you are unable to contact them, you can also call Telcare, VISN 8’s After Hours Medical Advice Line at 877-741-3400 or call the VA’s national Patient Hotline at 800-507-4571.
- Let them know you were evacuated and where you usually receive care. Telcare’s operating hours are Monday to Friday, 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. and 24/7 on weekends/annual holidays and when activated during disasters or other emergency situations.
Resources
Florida:
Preparing for a disaster -- planning guides, evacuation routes and shelters: http://www.floridadisaster.org/DEMpublic.asp
Special Needs Shelters: http://www.floridadisaster.org/disability/specialneeds/default.aspx
Georgia:
Georgia Emergency Management: http://www.gema.ga.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Other Links:
National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Special Populations: Emergency and Disaster Preparedness:
https://sis.nlm.nih.gov/outreach/specialpopulationsanddisasters.html
American Red Cross (search for open shelters): http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery/find-an-open-shelter
More hurricane tips & links: http://www.visn8.va.gov/VISN8/hurricane_tips.asp
