As the entire State of Florida waits in suspended nerve-wracking anticipation for Dorian, the monster of a storm that just wreaked havoc as a category 5 hurricane in the Bahamas, National Preparedness Month is timely. If you have not already done so, now is the time to make immediate preparations to secure your family and possessions and tighten up your emergency plans.
The theme for the 2019 National Preparedness Month is “Prepared, Not Scared.” That is important, since proper preparation can lessen the inevitable stress that comes with disasters. The Department of Homeland Security’s website, www.ready.gov has valuable information on how to prepare for an impending hurricane such as Dorian. It states that if a hurricane is 36 hours from arriving, here are some things you should now be doing to prepare:
- Keep your TV and radio on for the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
- Restock your emergency preparedness kit to include enough water and food for three days, medications, flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
- Keep your car in good working condition and filled with gas; Stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and change of clothing.
- Review your evacuation zone, route and shelter locations. Plan with your family. Plan in case you need to leave quickly.
As part of your emergency planning, make sure you are up to date on your prescription refills and address any chronic health conditions that may be aggravated by the stress of a catastrophic hurricane. You may walk-in to any of our convenient Primary Medical Care Center community clinics, or you may schedule an appointment by visiting our website at www.primarymed.com, or call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic, or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic.
Source: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes