elderaffairs.state.fl.us Disaster Preparedness Guide for Elders Anniversary May/June 2012 Elder Update — Special Edition Volume 23, Number 3 Whatever your circumstances, each Secretary’s family or household needs to have a Hurricane Prep Includes Learning Message plan to protect itself during a disas- ter. This plan should include what to Avoid Frauds and Scams Secretary you will do and where you will go in Chuck Corley case of evacuation. As part of your fraud. Together with my office, the Department of Elder Affairs plan, organize a disaster prepared- Department of Financial Services ness kit to sustain you and your fam- Message from and the Department of Business Living in a coastal state, we are ily for seven days. Most importantly, Governor and Professional Regulation, as faced with certain risks for natural discuss your plan with your fam- Rick Scott well as the Office of the Attorney disasters and other emergencies for ily, friends, and neighbors. Keeping General, all stand ready to protect which we must always be prepared. your loved ones informed allows for you from fraud after a hurricane or While we hope for the best at all consistency and prevents confusion other emergency. times, it would be irresponsible not should an emergency arise. Should to have an emergency plan for when a disaster occur, the plan you have As hurricane season begins, all Following Hurricane Andrew, the those emergencies do occur. in place will help protect you from Floridians must be prepared for State of Florida put into law mea- further distress. potential emergencies and have a sures to prohibit price-gouging Many different types of disasters plan of action. Experts are predict- after a declared state of emer- can force people to evacuate their Many seniors have specific medi- ing a busy season this year, and gency. The law bans unconscio- homes, and proper and timely evac- cal needs that must be considered. while we cannot foresee which of nable prices in the rental or sale uation can be the difference between Make sure to have a list of all of these storms might impact Florida, of essential commodities such as life and death. While it may be dif- your medications, a generous sup- you can be certain that I am ready lumber, ice, water, chemicals, gen- ficult to leave your home, your sup- ply to hold you over, and a plan for to respond to any emergencies that erators, and other necessary goods port network, and your friends, it refilling prescriptions as needed. affect our state’s residents. and services following a disaster. could be even worse to ignore the During a declared emergency, to warnings of emergency officials and Safeguarding important documents This Disaster Preparedness Guide report price-gouging, call the Flor- stay behind. such as your identification, Social for Elders is filled with helpful ida Attorney General’s hotline at Security card, insurance documents information and valuable tips to 1-866-966-7226. According to Florida law, individu- and policies, and emergency contact help you and your loved ones pre- als with special needs are eligible for information is also critical during an pare for and recover from weath- When you need to make repairs, evacuation assistance should they emergency. And don’t forget to have er-related and other emergencies. make sure to hire licensed, repu- need it. If you have special needs, a plan for your pets. Including your Having an emergency plan in table, and preferably local service and family or friends are not avail- pets in your emergency plan will place will help you and your fam- workers. You should also avoid able to help you, you may qualify for allow you to avoid the dangers asso- ily when a disaster strikes. contractors or appraisers who say assistance services. Register with ciated with staying behind during an they can adjust your insurance your local emergency management evacuation. It is also important in the after- claim. You can verify a contractor’s agency before disaster strikes. math of an emergency to remain Florida is home to more than 4.45 aware of potential scams in order million seniors age 60 and older, and to prevent becoming a victim of continued on page 3 May/June 2012 approximately one in four of them suffers some physical impairment. It is critical that as good neighbors,

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Preparations Special Needs Registry, Planning for Prescription Elder Resources...... 23 Hurricane Watches & Warnings ...... 2 Medication Refills...... 14 Disaster Contact Information Manufactured Homes, Hurricane Facts...... 3 During a Disaster Government & Voluntary Agencies, Insurance: What You Need to Know, Hazardous Materials Incidents...... 15 Special Needs Registries...... 24 Flood Insurance...... 4-5 Staying Safe During Severe Weather, Tornadoes, Lightning Strikes...... 6-7 Protect Yourself from Home Repair Fraud...... 16 Prevent Home Fires...... 8 Extreme Temperatures...... 17 Disaster Preparedness for Elders Safety Tips for Motorists During Emergencies... 18 with Hearing Loss ...... 9 Disaster Recovery Caring for Your Pet During a Disaster...... 10 Disaster Recovery Assistance for Seniors, Emergency Contact Info...... 11 Re-entering Your Flooded Home...... 19 Disaster Supplies Kit Keeping Safe After a Disaster...... 20 Page 12 How to Assemble a Kit, FEMA - Frequently Asked Questions...... 21 Disaster Kit Checklist...... 12-13 FEMA Application Process, Disaster Recovery Centers...... 22 FEATURE Special Edition 2012 2 Preparations: Hurricanes Elder Update Hurricane Watches and Warnings (USPS 403-710/ISSN 1060-4545) Basic steps to prepare • Stay tuned to radio or television for • Evacuate as early as possible to weather updates. avoid congestion on roads and Elder Update is a bimonthly publication • Learn about your community’s highways. mailed in state to Florida residents at emergency plans, warning signals, • Listen for disaster sirens and warn- no cost to recipients. Out of state, Elder evacuation routes and locations of ing signals. • Follow the designated evacuation Update can be accessed at routes – others may be blocked – http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us. emergency shelters. • Check your car for your emergency kit. and expect heavy traffic. • Identify potential home hazards • Notify your family and friends that • Secure any outside items that may and know how to secure or protect you are evacuating, where you are damage property in a storm, such Rick Scott them before the hurricane strikes. going, and how you can be reached. Governor Be prepared to turn off electrical as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, power when there is standing water patio furniture, etc. • If you are told to evacuate and have Jennifer Carroll a pet, the best choice for pets and Lieutenant Governor or a fallen power line, or before • Cover windows and doors with ply- you evacuate. Turn off gas and owners is to stay with pet-friend- Charles T. Corley wood or boards, or install hurricane ly friends or relatives in a loca- Secretary water supplies before you evacuate. shutters on windows. Ashley Marshall Secure structurally unstable build- tion outside the evacuation area. If Communications Director ing materials. • Put livestock in a safe area. Because this is not possible, the next choice Shannon Knowles of food and sanitation requirements, should be to find a pet-friendly Editor-in-Chief • Buy a fire extinguisher and make some emergency shelters cannot motel or hotel outside the evacua- Liz Jameson sure your family knows where to accept animals (see page 15). tion area. Lastly, try to find a pet- Editor find it and how to use it. • Place vehicles under cover, if at all friendly shelter (see pg. 15). Haven Capone • Locate and secure your important Layout & Graphic Design possible. papers, such as insurance policies, If ordered NOT to evacuate Fran Brooks wills, licenses, stocks, etc. • Fill cleaned and disinfected sinks Bureau Chief - Human Resources, General and bathtubs with water as an extra The great majority of injuries during Services and Emergency Operations & • Post emergency phone numbers at Disaster Preparedness supply for washing. a hurricane are cuts caused by flying every phone. glass or other debris. Other injuries Pamela Damitz • Store ice in coolers or in the tub of Emergency Coordinating Officer • Inform local authorities about any include puncture wounds resulting your washing machine (it is insulat- from exposed nails, metal or glass, special needs, i.e., elderly or bed- ed and has a built-in drain). ridden individuals or anyone with a and bone fractures. • Adjust the thermostat on refrigera- disability. To get through the storm in the safest Elder Update welcomes submissions tors and freezers to the coolest pos- possible manner, do the following: from readers. However, due Prepare disaster supply kits sible temperature. to the volume of submissions, • Monitor the radio (preferably on a acknowledgements cannot be mailed. Stock your home, car, and workplace When a hurricane warning is issued: NOAA weather radio) or television Articles selected for publication with supplies that may be needed dur- for weather conditions, if possible. must provide accurate information ing the emergency period. (Use the Because of the destructive power of • Stay indoors until the authorities to Florida’s elders about aging- center pullout section of this guide to a hurricane, you should never ignore declare the storm is over. related programs and services and obtain a list of suggested emergency an evacuation order. Authorities will complement the Department’s supplies.) be most likely to direct you to leave • Do not go outside, even if the mission. The editor reserves the right if you are in a low-lying area or with- weather appears to have calmed to edit submitted material. Preparing to evacuate in the greatest potential path of the – the calm “eye” of the storm can storm. pass quickly, leaving you outside Expect that you will need to evacu- If a hurricane warning is issued for and vulnerable when strong winds ate, and prepare for it. The National resume. Weather Service will issue a hurri- your area, or if you are directed by Department of Elder Affairs cane watch when there is a threat that authorities to evacuate the area, do • Stay away from all windows and 4040 Esplanade Way hurricane conditions will develop in the following: exterior doors; seek shelter in an Tallahassee, Florida 32399-7000 Phone: 850-414-2000 coastal areas within 24-36 hours. • Take only essential items with you. interior room, bathroom, or base- ment. Bathtubs can provide some TDD: 850-414-2001 • If you have time, turn off the gas, When a hurricane watch is issued shelter if you cover yourself with Postmaster: electricity, and water. Send address changes to: • Fill your vehicle’s gas tank. plywood or other materials. Elder Update • Disconnect appliances to reduce • Prepare to evacuate to a shelter or Department of Elder Affairs • If no vehicle is available, make the likelihood of electrical shock to a neighbor’s home if your home 4040 Esplanade Way arrangements with friends or fam- when power is restored. Tallahassee, Florida 32399-7000 ily for transportation. is damaged or if you are instructed • Take a supply of your prescription to do so by emergency personnel. Periodicals postage paid at • Fill your clean water containers. Tallahassee, Florida, and additional medications with you. offices. • Review your emergency plans and • Take your disaster supply kit. You Source: www.cdc.gov supplies, checking to see if any don’t know how long you might be items are missing. away. Special Edition 2012 Elder Update preparations: Hurricanes 3

Governor's Message Manufactured Homes and Hurricanes – the Facts (Continued from page 1) Manufactured homes have been was a major reason for failure • The addition must be properly the choice of countless seniors at points of connection of main and securely attached to the license and check for any out- in Florida since the first ones members, which allowed the home. standing complaints against the winds to penetrate the home’s were built right after World War II. Community Living person by calling the Depart- In the 60 years since then, airtight envelope and led to ment of Business and Pro- construction and windstorm safety failure of the entire structure. When living in a manufactured fessional Regulation at (850) requirements for manufactured Sometimes, simply caulking and home community, homeowners can 487-1395. homes have been strengthened painting the home will help seal prepare for disasters by following many times, most recently in the it. some simple steps: When dealing with your aftermaths of Hurricane Andrew insurance company, beware in 1992 and the back-to-back • If a home has a roof-over, or a • If you are a winter Floridian, of potential fraud. Insurance batterings of the 2004 and 2005 one-piece membrane roof cover, ensure that the community office fraud costs each Florida family hurricane seasons. check for adequate fasteners. knows when you are in Florida an additional $1,500 a year in Home Additions and when you are not. Home Maintenance increased premiums. If you and Preparation • The community should know suspect insurance fraud, call A Florida Department of Highway the Department of Financial Safety and Motor Vehicles report the addresses of your other Things that should be checked residences, as well as those Services Fraud Hotline toll-free found that when home additions – at 1-800-378-0445. at least annually, preferably by such as carports, garages, screened phone numbers, to inform you knowledgeable professionals, about the condition of your home rooms and sheds – were damaged While we always hope for favor- include: or destroyed, they often damaged and to assist in taking a census of residents. able weather, we know we must • The tie-down and anchoring the home itself. Flying debris from be prepared for the possibility system. Especially in older additions also damaged some • When you leave Florida, of hurricanes. Every Floridian homes, this should include (1) homes. Homeowners should have the all items in and around your should develop an emergency possible rusting of anchors and following items checked, preferably home should be secured against plan, prepare a disaster kit, connections, (2) tightening of by a licensed aluminum contracting wind. and know who to contact in the tie-down straps, and (3) possible company: aftermath of an emergency to upgrading of the system by For more information on protect yourself from becoming adding of anchors and straps • The posts must be securely manufactured homes in Florida, a victim of fraud. I encourage wherever a home’s construction attached to the ground. go to www.fmha.org or www. you to begin planning today, builtstronger.com. will allow. • The posts must be securely and together we can weather attached to the roof. any storm. • Checking for possible wood rot Source: Florida Manufactured and termite damage. In the most • The roof must be securely Housing Association May God continue to bless our recent hurricanes, investigators attached to the frame, with no great state and keep us safe. found that in older homes, this loose panels.

Secretary's Message (Continued from page 1) Hurricane Facts we assist those who might not • A hurricane is a type of tropical • The Atlantic hurricane season lasts The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale be able to prepare for a disaster. cyclone, the generic term for a from June to November, with the In an emergency, we must come low-pressure system that gener- peak season from mid-August to together as Floridians to ensure ally forms in the tropics. A typi- late October. Category 1: Winds 74-95 mph that no person is left without cal cyclone is accompanied by Minimal damage help. thunderstorms and, in the North- • Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several Category 2: Winds 96-110 mph ern Hemisphere, a counterclock- Moderate damage Florida’s elders have always wise circulation of winds near the hundred miles inland. been resilient. The information earth’s surface. within this Disaster Prepared- • Winds can exceed 155 miles Category 3: Winds 111-130 mph ness Guide for Elders will help per hour. Hurricanes and tropical Extensive damage • All Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of storms can also spawn tornadoes all seniors and their families Mexico coastal areas are subject to Category 4: Winds 131-155 mph prepare and take steps to be safe and microbursts, create storm hurricanes or tropical storms. Parts surges along the coast, and cause Extreme damage and secure during and after an of the southwest United States and emergency event. We must all extensive damage from heavy the Pacific coast experience heavy rainfall. Category 5: Winds greater than be ready to help our neighbors rains and floods each year from 155 mph and ourselves, if and when that hurricanes spawned off Mexico. Source: www.floridadisaster.org Catastrophic damage time comes. Special Edition 2012 4 preparations: Hurricanes Elder Update INSURANCE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Robin Smith Westcott for out of the total damages to the home. Home- Additional Living Expenses Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate owners policies contain two deductibles: one (usu- ally stated as a percentage of the policy limits) Most homeowners policies provide additional liv- As Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate, and for damage from hurricanes and another (usually ing expense coverage that will pay some extra as a homeowner, I know that all Floridians realize stated as a dollar amount) for damages from other expenses if damage to your home is caused by a it’s time to start getting ready for hurricane sea- causes such as fire. covered peril and your property is uninhabitable. son. However, the process often seems so over- Policies may designate a limit of coverage for whelming that many Floridians never get around Flood Insurance additional living expenses, but this does not obli- to it until a hurricane warning is posted. This gate the insurance company to pay this amount in year, I encourage all Floridians to make protecting Homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. advance or in full. You must keep receipts for all their homes, personal belongings, and a lifetime Homeowners can purchase flood insurance from expenses and submit them to the insurance com- of keepsakes a priority. the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). pany for reimbursement. The Federal Emergency Management Agency You can start by conducting an “annual check-up” (FEMA) also updates flood maps periodically. For other good ideas on how to get ready for hur- of your insurance policies by asking yourself the Homeowners should call the FEMA Map Service ricane season, including ways to simplify hurri- following questions as you review them: Center at 1-800-358-9616 or their County Engineer cane preparedness, and prepare a home inventory, to verify whether they should consider purchasing please visit www.myfloridacfo.com or call the • Can I access all of my insurance policies flood insurance. Please do not wait until a hur- Department of Financial Services at 1-877 My- right now? It is recommended that you keep ricane or tropical storm warning is posted, since FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236). your insurance policies, along with other flood insurance takes 30 days to become effective. important documents, in a waterproof con- Remember heavy rains can cause a small reten- The Insurance Consumer Advocate is appointed tainer with one copy kept in another location, tion pond to rise over its banks and cause flood by Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater preferably a safety deposit box. Include cur- damage to nearby homes, so it’s best to take these and is committed to finding solutions to insur- rent date-stamped pictures of the exterior and steps right away, if you haven’t already. ance issues facing Floridians, calling attention interior of your home and your personal prop- to questionable insurance practices, promoting a erty. Should you experience a loss, these doc- Actual Cash Value (ACV) viable insurance market responsive to the needs uments will greatly assist the claims adjuster of Florida’s diverse population, and assuring and expedite the settlement of your claim. This is the depreciated value of property that is that rates are fair and justified. damaged or destroyed. Typically, the ACV meth- • Do I know what my homeowners insurance od for determining the cost of damage is used for policy covers? Many policyholders have a ten- personal property such as carpet, furniture, and dency to renew their policy every year without appliances. For example, if your 10-year- old car- 2012 Atlantic Tropical reviewing the coverage limits to ensure that pet is destroyed, you will not be paid enough to Cyclone Names their home has adequate coverage. Insurance buy brand new carpet. The insurer will determine contracts are very complex legal documents. the value of your carpet based on the purchase That’s why I recommend that all policyholders price 10 years ago and reduce that figure by how In the event that more than 21 named tropi- review the Outline of Coverage and Checklist much the value of the carpet has depreciated over cal cyclones occur in the Atlantic basin in a that accompanies their policy. These docu- 10 years. Your insurer may allow you to purchase season, additional storms will take names ments provide valuable information about replacement cost value coverage for personal from the Greek alphabet. The World Meteo- what the homeowner’s policy actually cov- property at a slightly higher premium. rological Organization established this nam- ers. Special attention should be given to the Replacement Cost Value (RCV) ing convention. amount of the hurricane deductable. Right now, the majority of Floridians do not have This is the amount needed to replace or repair Source: enough money set aside to cover their out-of- your damaged property with materials of similar www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml pocket expenses in the event of a hurricane, kind and quality, without deducting for deprecia- including their deductible. tion. RCV is the method typically used to deter- Alberto Leslie mine the cost of repairing or replacing the roof, Beryl Michael • Do I know what my homeowners association walls, doors, and windows. I recommend that you or condo insurance policy covers? Before a call your insurance agent to check that your home Chris Nadine disaster occurs, check with your homeowners and contents are covered at their replacement cost Debby Oscar association and with your insurance agent who value. sold you your condo policy, to make sure that Ernesto Patty you understand which repair expenses are cov- Ordinance or Law Coverage ered by your association or condo and which Florence Rafael will be your responsibility. If a local building ordinance or law increases the cost of repairing or replacing an insured dwelling, Gordon Sandy When conducting your “annual check-up” on your the insurance company will not pay the additional Helene Tony insurance policy, there are some key items every amount, unless this coverage is a part of the policy. homeowner should check out: Homeowners insurance companies are required to Isaac Valerie Hurricane Deductible include this coverage at 25 percent of the dwelling Joyce William limit and you must sign a waiver to remove the This is the amount the homeowner is responsible coverage. In addition to the 25 percent, insurance Kirk fThis is the amount the homeowner is responsible companies must also offer a 50 percent limit. Special Edition 2012 Elder Update preparations: Floods 5 Know Your Flood Insurance Options

The National Flood Insurance Some of the things a standard flood Program makes federally backed policy will cover include structural flood insurance available to residents damage, furnace, water heater and and business owners. Ninety-five air conditioner, flood debris clean percent of all Florida communities up, and floor surfaces such as car- participate in the National Flood peting and tile. You can also buy a Insurance Program. Even if you flood insurance policy to cover the do not live near water, your home contents of your home, such as fur- still has a chance of being flooded. niture, collectibles, clothing, jew- In fact, 25 to 30 percent of flood elry, and artwork. insurance claims are paid in low-risk areas. As a homeowner, you can insure your home up to $250,000 and Flood losses generally aren’t covered its contents up to $100,000. If by your homeowners insurance you’re a renter, you can cover your policy. Floodwaters have the power belongings up to $100,000. If you to damage not only your home and are a non-residential property owner, sense of security, but also your you can insure your building and its financial future. contents up to $500,000. Policies are available in three forms: Dwelling OPTION 1: (most homes), General Property moderate-risk areas can get lower flood insurance. Also, if you’ve (apartments and businesses), and premiums on the full range of flood received a federal grant for previous Hope you’ll receive federal disaster insurance coverage available for relief if a flood hits. Residential Condominium Building flood losses, you must have a flood Association (condominiums). In residential and business structures policy to qualify for future aid. Many people wrongly believe that general, a policy does not take effect and contents. the U.S. government will take care of For more information about this until 30 days after you purchase It is important to know that if you all their financial needs if they suffer flood insurance. program, call toll-free 1-888-379- damage due to flooding. The truth have a federally backed mortgage on 9531 or TDD 1-800-427-5593, or is that federal disaster assistance With the Preferred Risk Policy a home located in a high-risk area, visit www.floodsmart.gov. is only available if the president (PRP) coverage, people in low- to federal law requires you to purchase formally declares a disaster. Even if you do get disaster assistance, it is often a loan you have to repay with interest, in addition to your mortgage loan that you still Support Elder Update owe on the damaged property. Most importantly, you must consider the fact that if your home is flooded Help support this valuable and informative and disaster assistance isn’t offered, publication for Florida’s seniors! you’ll have to shoulder the massive damage costs alone. If you would like to make a donation, please mail a check made payable to the Department of Elder Affairs to: OPTION 2: Buy flood insurance and stay Department of Elder Affairs protected no matter what. c/o Elder Update When disaster strikes, flood Grants and Donations Trust Fund insurance policyholder claims are paid even if a disaster is not federally 4040 Esplanade Way declared. Flood insurance means Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000 you’ll be reimbursed for all your covered losses. Unlike federal aid, it never has to be repaid. Donations go to the Department of Elder Affairs Grants and Donations Trust Fund and the donations are irrevocable. This donation may be tax-deductible; please consult with a tax professional. The aforementioned donor has voluntarily made this donation and has not been solicited by any individual for the gain or profit Unlike a standard homeowners pol- of that individual. Nor has the aforementioned donor made this donation in exchange for any promise, action or inaction by the Department regarding an issue icy, flood insurance covers losses to regulated or overseen by the Department. your property caused by flooding. Special Edition 2012 6 preparations: Tornadoes Elder Update

Tornadoes Measured Are You Prepared for Tornadoes? by the Fujita Scale A tornado is defined as a violently • Some tornadoes are clearly visible • Manufactured (mobile) homes, rotating column of air extending while others are obscured by rain even if tied down, offer little pro- The Fujita scale (F-scale) uses from a thunderstorm to the ground. or nearby low-hanging clouds. tection from tornadoes and should In an average year, 800 tornadoes are observed damage to determine be abandoned. a tornado’s wind speed. reported nationwide, resulting in 80 Tornado Safety deaths and more than 1,500 injuries. Each year, many people are killed or Tornadoes can occur anywhere, and Before the Storm seriously injured by tornadoes despite F0 – Gale Tornado at any time of the year. In the South- advance warning. Some may not 65-85 mph east region, peak tornado occurrence • Develop a plan for you and your hear the warning while others may begins in March and lasts through have received the warning but did Some damage to chimneys. family for home and work, and Tree branches broken off. Shal- May. when outdoors. not believe a tornado would actually impact them. After you have received low rooted trees uprooted. Tornadoes are also closely associated • Participate in frequent drills. the warning or observed threatening with hurricanes and often occur dur- • Know the county in which you skies, you must make the decision to F1 – Moderate Tornado ing hurricane season, June 1 through live, and stay tuned to weather seek shelter before the storm arrives. 86-110 mph It could be the most important deci- November 30. The Southeast is also bulletins. Peels surface off roofs. Mobile susceptible to waterspouts – weak sion you will ever make. • Keep a highway map nearby to homes overturned. Moving tornadoes that form over warm autos pushed off roads. water. Waterspouts sometimes move monitor the storm’s movement inland, become tornadoes, and cause from weather bulletins. damage and injuries. • Listen to radio and television for F2 – Significant Tornado 111-135 mph information. NOAA Weather • If planning a trip outdoors, lis- Considerable damage. Roofs Know what to listen for torn off frame houses. Large ten to the latest forecasts and take Radio Broadcasts • A Tornado Watch is issued when trees snapped or uprooted. necessary action if threatening Light-object missiles generated. tornadoes are possible in your weather is possible. National Weather Service area. Remain alert for approach- warnings, watches, forecasts, ing storms. • Know who is most at risk: people F3 – Severe Tornado and other hazard information 136-165 mph in automobiles; the elderly, very are available 24 hours a day • A Tornado Warning is issued young and physically or mentally when a tornado has been sight- for all types of hazards – both Severe damage. Roofs and impaired; people in manufactured natural and man-made. some walls torn off well-con- ed or indicated by weather radar. (mobile) homes; or people who Move to your pre-designated structed homes. Trains over- may not understand the warning Weather radios equipped with turned. Most trees in forests place of safety. due to a language barrier. a special alarm tone feature uprooted. Heavy cars lifted off Stay informed of weather conditions can sound an alert and give you ground and thrown. If a warning is issued or if threat- immediate information about by tuning in to local radio and tele- ening weather approaches vision stations or by listening to a a life-threatening situation, enabling you to take action. The F4 – Devastating Tornado NOAA weather radio for the latest 166-200 mph tornado watches and warnings. • In a home or building, move to a hearing and visually impaired pre-designated shelter, such as a can also get these warnings Well-constructed houses lev- Remember, tornadoes occasionally basement. by connecting weather radios eled. Structures with weak with alarm tones to other kinds develop in areas in which no severe • If an underground shelter is not foundations blown off some thunderstorm watch or warning is in of attention-getting devices distance. Cars thrown and large available, move to an interior like strobe lights, pages, bed effect, so listen for that information room or hallway on the lowest missiles generated. as well. Remain alert! shakers, personal computers floor and get under a sturdy piece and text printers. of furniture. F5 – Incredible Tornado A NOAA radio, with both elec- 200 + mph Environmental Clues • Stay away from windows. tric power and battery backup, Strong frame houses lifted off • Dark, often greenish sky • Get out of automobiles. should be standard equipment foundations and disintegrated. in every home. NOAA radios Automobile-sized missiles fly • Wall cloud • Do not try to outrun a torna- can be purchased at stores do in your car; instead, leave it through the air in excess of 100 • Large hail that sell electronics. NOAA mph. Trees debarked. immediately. weather radios still work even • Loud roar, similar to a freight though the nation changed to train • If caught outside or in a vehi- cle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or digital television signals. Addi- Source: • Some tornadoes appear as a vis- depression. tional information is available www.floridadisaster.org ible funnel extending only partial- at www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr. ly to the ground Special Edition 2012 Elder Update preparations 7 Be Prepared When American Red Cross Lightning Strikes Safe and Well Website Lightning occurs with all thunder- the summer months and during the In the wake of a disaster, the Ameri- www.sanoysalvo.org. People with- storms. It averages 93 deaths and 300 afternoon and early evening. can Red Cross encourages all those out access to a computer, without injuries each year. It also causes sev- affected to register on the Safe and electricity, or in need of help from eral hundred million dollars in dam- • Your chances of being struck by Well website. This secure, easy-to- an interpreter can call the Red Cross age to property and forests annually. lightning are estimated to be one use tool, available at www.redcross. at 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733- You should be aware of the dangers of in 600,000. org/safeandwell, allows concerned 2767) to register. Family members lightning and how to protect yourself • In recent years, people have been loved ones all across the country to outside the disaster-impacted area can register a survivor as soon as and your family from injuries. killed by lightning while boating, search for registrants’ posted mes- sages, to see that they are safe. they hear from them, to reassure swimming, golfing, bike riding, other concerned loved ones. Here are some helpful facts about standing under a tree, riding on a The site allows people inside a disas- lightning: lawnmower, talking on the tele- ter or emergency affected area to list With one registration on the Safe and phone, loading a truck, playing themselves as “safe and well” by cus- Well website, a person displaced by • What is lightning? Lightning soccer, fishing in a boat and moun- tomizing a message for their loved disaster can provide peace of mind to many loved ones. This also helps occurs when the action of rising tain climbing. ones or selecting from pre-scripted and descending air within a thun- messages. Survivors can also update ease congestion on public and cel- derstorm separates positive and their Facebook and Twitter status lular telephone systems and reduces negative charges. Lightning results Myths ABOUT LIGHTNING through the Safe and Well website. the burden on emergency respond- ers. As the nation’s partner in emer- from the buildup and discharge of Concerned family members and electrical energy between positive- MYTH: If it is not raining, then there gency preparedness and response, is no danger from lightning. friends can search for loved ones in the American Red Cross provides ly and negatively charged areas. the affected area by entering the per- this tool to help those whose lives • The average flash of lightning FACT: Lightning often strikes outside son’s name and pre-disaster phone have been affected by disaster. The could light a 100-watt light bulb of heavy rain and may occur as far as number or address. If their loved one Safe and Well website is available for more than three months. 10 miles away from any rainfall. has registered, they will be able to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. see their message. Families are encouraged to make • Most lightning occurs within the MYTH: The rubber soles of shoes or the website part of their disaster pre- cloud or between the cloud and the The Safe and Well website is rubber tires on a car will protect you also available in Spanish at paredness planning. ground. from being struck by lightning. • The air near a lightning strike is heated to 50,000 °F – hotter than FACT: Rubber-soled shoes and rub- the surface of the sun! The rapid ber tires provide NO protection from Centers for Disease Control and heating and cooling of air near the lightning. However, the steel frame lightning channel causes a shock of a hard-topped vehicle provides Prevention Publishes Older wave that results in thunder. increased protection if you are not touching metal. Although you may Adults Preparedness Guide • To estimate the distance in miles be injured if lightning strikes your car, between you and the lightning you are much safer inside a vehicle flash, count the seconds between than outside. As many Floridians already know, some older adults may have difficulty the lightning and the thunder and keeping themselves safe and healthy during an emergency or a natural divide by five. MYTH: People struck by lightning disaster. Conditions such as impaired mobility, multiple chronic health carry an electrical charge and should conditions, or difficulty with memory may cause some older adults to • Most lightning deaths and inju- not be touched. ries occur when people are caught need extra help planning for and dealing with situations such as hurri- outdoors. Most casualties occur in canes and floods. Disasters and emergencies also can disrupt the help that FACT: Lightning-strike victims many older adults rely on for independent living, such as assistance from carry no electrical charge and should friends, family, and home-based medical care. be attended to immediately. Contact your local American Red Cross chap- It is critical that older adults, their caregivers, and their communities Terms to Know ter for information on CPR and first plan for their safety before an event occurs. To aid states, communities, aid classes. and partner organizations in planning for older adults, CDC’s Healthy Aging Program and Public Health Law Program have released a guide, MYTH: “Heat lightning” occurs Identifying Vulnerable Older Adults and Legal Preparedness Options for Thunderstorm Watch Increasing Their Protection During All-Hazards Emergencies: A Cross- Conditions are favorable for after very hot summer days and poses severe weather. no threat. Sector Guide for States and Communities. This guide presents practical strategies and legal options for protecting older adults during all-hazards emergencies. A web portal for both professionals and the public has also Thunderstorm Warning FACT: What is referred to as “heat Severe weather is occurring or lightning” is actually lightning from a been launched that serves as a one-stop shop for resources, tools, and has been detected by radar. thunderstorm too far away for thunder information related to all-hazard preparedness for older adults. For more to be heard. However, the storm may information, please visit: www.cdc.gov/aging/emergency. be moving in your direction! Special Edition 2012 8 preparations: Fires Elder Update Taking Measures to Prevent Home Fires Fire is one of the most common • If you try to use a fire extinguish- • If you are escaping through a at the window. If there is a tele- disasters and causes more deaths er on a fire and the fire is not out closed door, feel the door back of phone in the room, call the fire than any other type of disaster. But in within 30 seconds, drop the hand before opening it. If it is hot, department and tell them where fire does not have to be deadly if extinguisher and get out. use your second way out. you are. you take precautions and have an escape plan. • Use the gauge or test button to • If smoke, heat or flames block You can help protect yourself and check proper pressure on your your exit routes, stay in the room your family from the dangers of Here are some guidelines you can fire extinguisher. If the unit is with the door closed. Signal for fire by planning NOW for an emer- use in preparing your emergency low on pressure, damaged or cor- help using a bright colored cloth gency. Be smart – be safe. plan. roded, replace it or have it profes- Make Your Home Fire Safe sionally serviced. • Keep blankets, clothing, curtains, The American Red Cross recom- Protect Your Home Against Wildfires mends the following advice for furniture and anything that could safety during fires: get hot and catch fire away from portable heaters. Homeowners who live near Flori- • Take your disaster supplies kit. • The safest thing to do in case of a da’s forests, rural areas or remote • Lock your home. fire is to get away from it and call • Plug heaters directly into the wall sites enjoy the beauty of the envi- the fire department from another socket, not into extension cords, ronment but face the very real dan- • Tell someone when you leave location, away from the fire. and always unplug them when ger of a wildfire. Wildfires often and where you are going. they are not in use. begin unnoticed but then spread • Smoke detectors save lives. quickly, igniting brush, trees and • Choose a route away from fire Install smoke detectors outside • Keep items that could catch fire homes. Every year, wildfires burn hazards. Watch for changes in each sleeping area and on each away from a stove. thousands of acres of grasslands the speed and direction of fire additional level of your residence. • Use safety plugs in electrical out- and forests in Florida. and smoke. • Use the test button to check each lets, especially if you have small When Wildfire Threatens Time Permitting, Take Steps to smoke detector once a month. children. Protect Your Home When necessary, replace batter- • Avoid overloading electrical out- If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to • Close windows, vents, doors, ies immediately. Replace batter- lets and running cords under car- your battery-operated radio for blinds and heavy drapes. Remove ies at least once a year. pet and furniture. reports and evacuation informa- lightweight curtains. • It is a good idea to place a fire tion. Follow the instructions of • Shut off gas at the meter. Turn extinguisher in your home near Plan Your Escape Routes local officials. off pilot lights. each place where a fire may • Draw a floor plan of your home. • Back your car into the garage • Move flammable furniture into start, such as the kitchen, garage, Determine at least two ways to or park it in an open space fac- workshop, barbecue area, etc. An escape from every room of your the center of the home away ing the direction of escape. Shut from windows and sliding-glass extinguisher should only be used home. doors and roll up windows. on a very small fire that can be doors. • If you must use an escape ladder, put out quickly. • Leave the key in the ignition. be sure everyone knows how to • Turn on a light in each room to • Get a fire extinguisher that is use it. • Close garage windows and increase the visibility of your doors, but leave them unlocked. home in heavy smoke. rated ABC, which is designed • Have a plan to escape if bars for fires that most often occur at cover windows. • Disconnect automatic garage • Seal attic and ground vents with home. For more information on door openers. pre-cut plywood or commercial the type and size of fire extin- • Select a location outside your seals. home where everyone would • Confine pets to one room. guisher you need for specific • Turn off propane tanks. locations in your home, contact meet after escaping. • Make plans to care for your pets your local fire department. • Practice your escape plan at least in case you must evacuate; do • Place combustible patio furni- not leave them behind. ture inside. • Get training from your local fire twice a year. department in how to use the fire • Once you are out, stay out! • Arrange temporary housing at a • Connect the garden hose to out- extinguisher you get. Not all fire friend or relative’s home outside side taps. • Know how to call for emergency the threatened area. extinguishers work in the same assistance. • Place lawn sprinklers on the way, so it’s important that you roof and near above-ground fuel get training and practice with the Escape Safely If Advised to Evacuate tanks. Wet the roof. same type of fire extinguisher • Wear protective clothing – stur- • If you see smoke in your first • Wet or remove shrubs within 15 you may actually use. dy shoes, cotton or woolen cloth- escape route, use your second feet of the home. ing, long pants, a long-sleeved • Follow the manufacturer’s way out. If you must exit through shirt, gloves and a handkerchief instructions for replacing or smoke, crawl low under the to protect your face. recharging fire extinguishers. smoke to escape. Special Edition 2012 Elder Update preparations: Special Needs 9 Disaster Preparedness for Elders With Hearing Loss Emergencies/Disasters can strike quickly and Needs Registry does not mean you have to go (5) Communication and Accommodation without any warning. They can force you to leave to a Special Needs Shelter. Access Card. Carry a pre-printed card that has your neighborhood or prevent you from leaving your contact information, contact information of your home. Local emergency first-responders may d. Shelters – The law requires that you be persons to notify on your behalf, in case of emer- not be able to reach you right away. What would allowed to go to a general population shel- gency, and key phrases that will help others to you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity, ter with the rest of your family, even if you communicate with you. telephone – were cut off? Knowing what to do is require the services of an interpreter or have YOUR responsibility! Taking these four simple a service animal. If you have other medical A link to a free, customizable communication steps before a disaster strikes can make all the dif- needs such as the use of a respirator, nebu- and accommodation access card you can cre- ference to you and your family in the hours/days lizer, or electricity-dependent medical equip- ate is offered by Western Pennsylvania Health following the event. ment, then you should go to a Special Needs Information for Persons Who Are Deaf, Hard-of- Shelter [see (2)c above]. Hearing, and Deaf-Blind: www.healthbridges. (1) Get Informed: info/?p=1117. e. Caring for Your Service Animal – If you have a. Know your evacuation route(s). a service animal, make sure that you have the Some possible key phrases are: proper identification, equipment, and supplies b. Designate a post-disaster meeting spot for for your service animal with you. These will • “I use American Sign Language (ASL) and family members. be required to check into an emergency shel- need an interpreter” c. Learn your local emergency weather broad- ter, and you should keep a copy of the ani- • “I need announcements written or signed” cast station. mal’s identification in your disaster kit. • “I cannot hear sirens or alarms” (2) Make a Plan: (3) Build a Disaster Supplies Kit. In addition Disaster Preparedness Resources for the Deaf to supply kit staples such as canned goods, can and Hard of Hearing a. Emergency Contact Information – If you are opener, seven-day supply of medicine, gallons deaf or hard of hearing, develop an emergen- of bottled water, and basic toiletries, people who cy communication plan. Ask an out-of-state Florida Division of Emergency Management: are deaf or hard of hearing should include the www.floridadisaster.org relative or friend who can communicate with following: you to be the contact person. B able to contact Nationwide Emergency Email Alerting Network: that person by pager or teletypewriter (TTY). a. Battery-operated light source with EXTRA www.emergencyemailnetwork.com If you or your out-of-state relative does not BATTERIES to aid in lip-reading and ASL www.emergencyemail.org have a TTY or pager, ask a hearing person to comprehension. contact them for you. To sign up for text messages from FEMA: b. Notebook and pen for writing notes. www.fema.gov b. Weather Alerts – If you are deaf or hard of hearing, get a NOAA (National Oceanic and c. Cell phone with text message feature or two- Disaster Preparedness and the Deaf Community Atmospheric Administration) weather radio way pager. – available online from The Greater Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Roch- with text alerts and visual/tactile alerts, and d. Car charger for cell phone and pager. program it to pick up weather alerts for your ester Institute of Technology: county (instructions will be inside the radio e. Extra batteries for any assistive listening www.rochesterredcross.org/Portals/1/RRC- box). Keep it turned on. device you might use, such as hearing aids pdfs/Deaf_Preparedness_Brochure.pdf and cochlear implants. Emergency Preparedness Fact Sheets for the Deaf c. Special Needs Registry – BEFORE AN f. NOAA weather radio with text alerts and and Hard of Hearing by the Community Emer- EMERGENCY OCCURS, you should notify gency Preparedness Information Network: your County Emergency Management Ser- visual/tactile alerts; or portable AM/FM vices (http://floridadisaster.org/shelters/) radio with EXTRA BATTERIES. www.cepintdi.org/newsroom/fact-sheets that you are deaf or heard of hearing, par- g. Portable TTY with EXTRA BATTERIES. For more information about NOAA Weather Alert ticularly if you live alone and might require Radios, see www.noaa.gov. special communication assistance with emer- h. Service animal identification and immuniza- gency notifications. Every county has an tion papers. Emergency Management Service that keeps (4) Maintain Your Plan and Kit. Check/rotate a Special Needs Registry. If you are deaf or supplies every six months. hard of hearing, registering with the Special Emergency Contact Card

Key Emergency Phrases: Name: ______

I use American Sign Language (ASL) and need an interpreter Phone: ______I need announcements written or signed I cannot hear sirens or alarms Home Address: ______Special Edition 2012 10 preparations: pet care Elder Update Have a Disaster Plan for Yourself – and Your Pets

• Ask friends, relatives, or others Pet Evacuation Kits and in the car, keep dogs securely outside the affected area whether leashed. Transport cats in carriers. they could shelter your animals. In addition to your human disaster Don’t leave animals unattended If you have more than one pet, kit, prepare a disaster kit for your anywhere they can run away. The they may be more comfortable if pet. most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape, or even bite kept together, but be prepared to You will find suggestions for items or scratch. And when you return house them separately. to include in the pet disaster kit on home, give your pets time to settle • Prepare a list of boarding facili- page 12. back into their routines. Consult ties and veterinarians who could Know What to Do as a Disaster your veterinarian if any behavior shelter animals in an emergency; Approaches problems persist. include 24-hour phone numbers. • Warnings are often issued hours, Service Animals • Before an emergency occurs, even days, in advance. At the first Service animals for the blind, contact your county’s emergen- hint of a coming disaster, act to hearing impaired, handicapped or cy management office to find protect your pet. others with special needs will be out if there are pet-friendly shel- • Call ahead to confirm emergency allowed to stay in emergency shel- ters in your area and to learn the shelter arrangements for you and ters with their owners. Check with requirements for bringing your your pets. your county’s emergency manage- pet to the shelter. ment office for more information. • Check to be sure your pet disas- • Ask local animal shelters if they ter supplies are ready to take at a After a Disaster provide emergency shelter or moment’s notice. foster care for pets in a disaster. If after a disaster you have to leave Animal shelters may be overbur- • Bring all pets into the house so town, take your pets with you. Pets dened caring for the animals they that you won’t have to search for are unlikely to survive on their There is one important rule to already have, as well as those them if you have to leave in a own. remember regarding pets and hurry. displaced by a disaster, so this In the first few days after the disas- disasters: If you are told to • Make sure all dogs and cats are evacuate, please do so – and take should be your last resort. ter, leash your pets when they go your pets with you. It is not safe wearing collars and securely fas- outside, always maintaining close For more information, visit the tened, up-to-date identification. contact. Familiar scents and land- to leave pets behind. Animals following sites: left behind can be injured, lost, Attach the phone number and marks may be altered and your pet or killed, and pets left inside your address of your temporary shel- may become confused and lost. Wild animals and downed power home can escape through storm- floridadisaster.org/petplan.htm ter or of a friend or relative out- damaged areas, such as broken side the disaster area. You can lines may be hazards that have windows. been introduced to the area due to hsi.org/about/how_we_work/ buy temporary tags or put adhe- the disaster. Animals turned loose to fend for disaster_services sive tape on the back of your pet’s themselves are likely to become ID tag, adding information with The behavior of your pets may victims of exposure, starvation, www.pets-allowed-hotels.com an indelible pen. change after an emergency. Nor- predators, contaminated food or mally quiet and friendly pets may water, or accidents. Leaving dogs www.petswelcome.com You may not be home when the become aggressive or defensive. tied or chained outside in a disaster evacuation order comes. Find out if Watch animals closely. Leash dogs is a death sentence for them. floridapets.net/petfriendlyshel- a trusted neighbor would be willing and place them in a fenced yard ters.html to take your pets and meet you at with access to shelter and water. Plan for Your Pet’s Evacuation a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your Sources: www.fema.gov • Contact hotels and motels outside Pet-Friendly Shelters pets, know where your animals are your immediate area to check likely to be, know where your pet policies on accepting pets and Many county emergency manage- disaster supplies kit is kept, and restrictions on number, size and ment officials are considering the have a key to your home. If you species. Ask if “no pet” policies need to provide shelters that will use a pet-sitting service, they may could be waived in an emergen- accommodate pets and owners. be available to help, but discuss the For more information cy. Keep a list of “pet-friendly” Some counties already have pet- possibility well in advance. on pet-friendly lodging, friendly shelters. places, including phone numbers, Planning and preparation will please visit online at with other disaster information In some cases the pets are kept enable you to evacuate with your and supplies. If you have notice separately from people, but the pets quickly and safely. But bear in www.petswelcome.com. of an impending disaster, call pet shelter is often near the people mind that animals react differently ahead for reservations. shelter. under stress. Outside your home Special Edition 2012 Elder Update Emergency Contact Information 11 Be Prepared to Keep in Touch With Your Family Since your family cannot be together 24 hours a day, you need to consider Family Information: Record the following information for each family how you would find each other in a disaster. Have a plan ready before the member and keep it current: emergency occurs, outlining for yourself, your friends, and your family where you will stay in case a disaster strikes. The Division of Emergency Name Date of Social Security Where You Will Meet Management offers a website that allows you to create a plan based on your Birth Number in an Emergency specific needs. Visit www.floridadisaster.org/family.

Escape Routes: Determine primary and alternate routes to take to get out of your house.

Where to Meet: Establish a place to meet family members in the event an emergency happens and you are separated. Include in your plans both a location near your home (e.g., a neighbor’s house or yard) and one that is outside the immediate area (e.g., the parking lot of a specific grocery store).

Family Communications: Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another. Think about how you Where to go in an emergency: Record where your family spends the most will communicate in different situations. Create a contact card for each time and where you will meet each other if an emergency occurs and you family member. can’t get home. Location Address Phone Number Where You Will Meet Family Contacts: Plan who will be notified that you are safe and can com- in an Emergency municate your location to other family members. FEMA and the American Red Cross have created websites to help displaced individuals find fam- Home: ily and friends after a disaster: National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System: www.fema.gov, or American Red Cross Safe and Well Work: List: https://safeandwellcommunityos.org/cms/. Out-of-State 1st Phone 2nd Phone Work: Contact Name Number Number Address Email Other place you frequent: Other place you frequent: Other place you frequent: Other place you frequent:

Important Name Address Phone Number Policy Information Number Doctor:

In-State 1st Phone 2nd Phone Doctor: Contact Name Number Number Address Email Doctor:

Pharmacist:

Medical Insurance: Homeowners/ Rental Insurance: Veterinarian/ Kennel: (for pets) Special Edition 2012 12 Disaster supplies kit Elder Update How to Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit You may need to survive on your own and do not open it until you need to out the sanitizing solution with clean Maintaining Your Kit after a disaster. This means having use it. Be sure to observe the expira- water. your own food, water, and other sup- tion or “use by” date. Just as important as putting your sup- plies in sufficient quantity to last for Filling Water Containers plies together is maintaining them so at least three days. Local officials and If You Are Preparing Your Own Fill the bottle to the top with regular they are safe to use when needed. relief workers will be on the scene Containers of Water tap water. If the tap water has been commercially treated from a water Here are some tips to keep your sup- after a disaster, but they cannot reach It is recommended that you purchase plies ready and in good condition: everyone immediately. You could get food-grade water storage containers utility with chlorine, you do not need help in hours, but it could take days. from surplus or camping supplies to add anything else to the water to • Keep canned foods in a dry place stores to use for water storage. Before keep it clean. If the water you are where the temperature is cool. Basic services such as electricity, filling with water, thoroughly clean using comes from a well or water gas, water, sewage treatment, and the containers with dishwashing source that is not treated with chlo- • Store boxed food in tightly closed telephones may be cut off for days, soap and water, and rinse completely rine, add two drops of non-scented plastic or metal containers to pro- a week, or even longer. Or you may so there is no residual soap. Follow liquid household chlorine bleach to tect from pests and to extend its have to evacuate at a moment’s notice directions below on filling the con- the water. Tightly close the container shelf life. and take essentials with you. You tainer with water. using the original cap. Be careful not • Throw out any canned item that probably will not have the opportu- to contaminate the cap by touching nity to shop or search for the supplies If you choose to use your own stor- becomes swollen, dented, or the inside of it with your finger. Place corroded. you need. age containers, choose two-liter plas- a date on the outside of the container tic soft drink bottles – not plastic jugs so that you know when you filled it. • Use foods before they go bad, and A disaster supplies kit is a collec- or cardboard containers that have tion of basic items that members of a replace them with fresh supplies. had milk or fruit juice in them. Milk Store in a cool, dark place. Replace household may need in the event of a protein and fruit sugars cannot be • Place new items at the back of the disaster. the water every six months if not adequately removed from these con- using commercially bottled water. storage area and older ones in the KIT LOCATIONS tainers and provide an environment front. for abacterial growth when water is FOOD • Change stored food and water sup- Since you do not know where you stored in them. Cardboard containers will be when an emergency occurs, The following are things to consid- plies every six months. Be sure to also leak easily and are not designed er when putting together your food write the date you store it on all prepare supplies for home, work, and for long-term storage of liquids. Also, vehicles. supplies: containers. do not use glass containers because • Avoid foods that will make you WATER they can break and are heavy. thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, • Re-think your needs every year How Much Water Do I Need? If Storing Water in Plastic Soda whole grain cereals, and canned and update your kit as your fam- You should store at least one gallon of Bottles, Follow These Steps foods with high liquid content. ily’s needs change. water per person per day. A normally • Keep items in airtight plastic bags Thoroughly clean the bottles with • Stock canned foods, dry mixes, active person needs at least one-half dishwashing soap and water, and and put your entire disaster sup- and other staples that do not gallon of water daily just for drinking. rinse completely so there is no resid- plies kit in one or two easy-to-car- require refrigeration, cooking, ual soap. Sanitize the bottles by add- ry containers, such as an unused In determining adequate quantities, water, or special preparation. You ing a solution of one teaspoon of trashcan, camping backpack, or take the following into account: may already have many of these on non-scented liquid household chlo- duffel bag. • Individual needs vary, depending rine bleach to a quart of water. Swish hand. (Note: Be sure to include a on age, physical condition, activ- the sanitizing solution in the bottle manual can opener.) Source: ity, diet, and climate. so that it touches all surfaces. After http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/ sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly rinse • Include special dietary needs. • Children, nursing mothers and ill people need more water. • Very hot temperatures can double HOME WORK CAR the amount of water needed. Your disaster supplies kit should contain This kit should be in one container, and In case you are stranded, keep a kit of essential food, water, and supplies for at ready to “grab and go” in case you are emergency supplies in your car. • A medical emergency might least three days. evacuated from your workplace. require additional water. This kit should contain maps, food, water, Keep this kit in a designated place and Make sure you have food and water in manual can opener, first aid kit, and • Water is used for sanitation needs have it ready in case you have to leave the kit. Also, be sure to have comfortable manual, flares, booster cables, flashlight as well as for drinking. your home quickly. Make sure all family walking shoes at your workplace in case and extra batteries, battery-powered radio members know where the kit is kept and an evacuation requires walking long and extra batteries, fire extinguisher (5 How Should I Store Water? can lift and carry the kit. distances. lb.,A-B-C type), blanket, rain gear, and To prepare the safest and most reli- seasonal supplies. able emergency supply of water, it Additionally, you may want to consider is recommended that you purchase having supplies for sheltering for up to commercially bottled water. Keep two weeks, and plan for possible power bottled water in its original container outages at home. Special Edition 2012 Elder Update Disaster supplies kit 13 Disaster Supplies Kit Checklist Prepare now for an emergency. When a disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act. The following list serves to help you determine what to How to Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit include in your disaster supplies kit to meet your family’s needs during an emergency situation or evacuation. Store items in an easy-to-carry container such as a waterproof suitcase, large plastic storage box, backpack, or duffle bag. First Aid Supplies Equipment and Tools Doucments & Keys Supplies Home Vehicle Work Tools Kitchen Items Item Stored First aid kit and manual Portable, battery-powered Household liquid bleach to Personal identification Germicidal hand wipes or waterless, or hand-cranked, radio treat drinking water or water Cash & coins alcohol-based hand sanitizer television and extra batteries purification tablets in a or NOAA weather radio plastic bag Credit cards Antiseptic wipes Booster cables for car & full Paper cups, plates & plastic Extra set of house keys & car keys Large, medical grade, non-latex gloves tank of gas utensils Videotaped documentation of all valuables in home Cold pack Flashlight & extra batteries All-purpose knife Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas & Scissors (small, personal) Signal flare Manual can opener water if authorities advise you to do so Tweezers Matches in a waterproof Small cooking stove & a can Assorted sizes of safety pins container (or waterproof of cooking fuel (if food must Photocopies (stored in waterproof plastic bag) Cotton balls matches) be cooked) Birth certificate Thermometer Shut-off wrench, pliers, Marriage certificate shovel & other tools Aluminum foil & plastic wrap Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant Driver’s license Duct tape & scissors Resealable plastic bags Sunscreen Social Security card Plastic sheeting Garbage bags Passport Whistle Sugar, salt, pepper Non-Prescription and Prescription Medicine Kit Supplies and Will (including living wills & advance directives) Medical Support Equipment Work gloves Miscellaneous Items Deeds Supplies Home Vehicle Work Paper, pens & pencils Cards, games, books Inventory of household goods Antibacterial ointment Needles & thread Toys for kids Insurance papers (property, health and life) Aspirin & non-aspirin pain reliever Small canister, ABC-type fire Battery-operated travel Immunization records & copies of prescriptions extinguisher alarm clock Anti-diarrhea medication Name, phone number, address of your doctors, home health Antacid (for upset stomach) agency, hospital, pharmacists, caregiver (Also keep copies Laxative Food and Water for at Least 3-5 Days posted by all home telephones.) Vitamins Supplies Home Vehicle Work A list of models & serial numbers as well as suppliers for Water (1 gallon per person, per day) medical equipment such as pacemakers, feeding pumps, Prescription drugs (two-week supply) and home IV units, suction machines, wheelchairs, braille or copies of prescriptions Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, lower vision equipment, etc. vegetables & soups Dentures & cleaning solution Written instructions regarding your medical care (If Canned or boxed juices or milk Extra eyeglasses/contact lenses & applicable, a copy of the pre-admission letter from your cleaning solution High-energy foods such as peanut butter, doctor stating that you are to be taken to a specific hospital nuts, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola or nursing home) Hearing aid & extra batteries bars, fruit bars, dried fruit & trail mix Bank & credit card account and routing numbers Medical support equipment Special foods for persons on special diets Stocks & bonds (wheelchairs with extra battery if Snacks motorized, walkers, cane, dressings, Emergency contact list (family & friends) with phone oxygen & tubes, feeding equipment, etc.). Instant coffee numbers & addresses Cereals Map of the area & phone numbers of places you could go Powdered milk Sanitation and Hygiene Supplies Driving instructions & contact information of where you are going Item Item Clothes and Bedding Supplies Heavy-duty plastic garbage Towelettes, body wipes, Supplies Home Vehicle Work Pet supplies soap, hand sanitizer bags & ties for personal sanitation use & toilet paper Complete change of clothes Extra food (store in sturdy containers) Extra pair of shoes (sturdy shoes or boots) Cleaning supplies Washcloth & towel Medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid Rain gear Pet carrier (labeled) Hat Medications & pet first-aid supplies Tooth paste, toothbrushes Disinfectant & household chlorine bleach Jacket Pet’s medical/vaccine records & vet contact information Shampoo, comb & brush Feminine supplies Extra socks Leashes, collars, harnesses & muzzles Deodorants Toilet paper Extra underwear Two sets of pet ID tags (one on the pet & an extra) Pet dishes, litter pan, litter & plastic bags Razor, shaving cream Diapers, disposable Sunglasses incontinence supplies Blankets/sleeping bags & pillows Toys & blankets Lip balm, insect repellent Mirror Folding cot or lawn chair Proof of ownership (photos of owners with pets, registration papers, “chip” registration, etc.) “Lost Animal” posters (previously made) Special Edition 2012 14 preparations: Special Needs Elder Update

Special Needs Prescription Medication Refills

Registry Contact Numbers As a result of legislation passed and signed into law in 2006, it is now possible to obtain emergen- Regardless of medical or physical condition, Public shelters are shelters of last resort, locat- ed outside of the disaster area and used for pro- cy-preparedness prescription medication refills if everyone should pre-plan for evacuation, it looks like a hurricane may strike your area. should the need arise. The best and safest evac- tecting residents who live in vulnerable areas uation choices include staying with relatives or and structures. Section 29 of Florida Chapter Law 06-71 requires friends out of the area, checking into a hotel/ These facilities are not hospitals, nursing all health insurers, managed care organizations, motel, or pre-admission into a medical facil- homes, or hotels. Shelters are frequently local and other entities that are licensed by the Office ity if medically necessary. If you have medi- schools. Public shelters available under emer- of Insurance Regulation and provide prescrip- cal issues, the place you can best be supported gency conditions will accept anyone who is tion medication coverage as part of a policy or during a hurricane should be a joint decision self-sufficient and needs no outside profession- contract to waive time restrictions on prescrip- among your physician, home health agency, al assistance in performing activities of daily tion medication refills. This requirement includes caregiver, family, and yourself. To assist in living (ADL). suspending electronic “refill too soon” edicts to making a decision concerning your care, the pharmacies. following information is provided: Special Needs Shelters The law enables those who are insured or are sub- If you have special needs Most counties have Special Needs Shelters. scribers of prescription medication plans to refill • Find out about special assistance that may be Some are units within American Red Cross prescriptions in advance of a hurricane. To do available in your community. Call the Spe- public shelters; some are shelters solely used this, there must be authorized refills remaining cial Needs Registry in your county and, if for those with special needs. Special needs for the prescription medication. The law autho- shelters are available for those individuals who rizes payment to pharmacies for at least a 30-day eligible, complete the necessary forms to require ADL assistance. Basic medical assis- supply of any prescription medication. register. tance and monitoring will be available. Special • Create a network of neighbors, relatives, needs shelters are not equipped with advanced It does not matter when a pharmacist most recent- ly filled the prescription. friends, and coworkers to aid you in an emer- medical equipment or medications, nor are gency. Discuss your needs and make sure they staffed to provide advanced medical care. This law is in effect under the following everyone knows how to operate necessary A caregiver should accompany special needs conditions: equipment. shelter clients. Shelter medical staff will be unfamiliar with your medical condition and 1. The person seeking the prescription medica- • Discuss your needs with your employer. treatment. tion refill must live in a county that: • If you are mobility impaired and live or work To learn more about the requirements for stay- • Is under a hurricane warning issued by the in a high-rise building, have an escape chair. ing in a special needs shelter, call your coun- National Weather Service; or • If you live in an apartment building, ask the ty’s Special Needs Registry (see page 24). • Is declared to be under a state of emergency in management to mark accessible exits clearly Hospital/Nursing Home an executive order issued by the Governor; or and to make arrangements to help you leave If your physician has decided that during an the building. emergency you need to be cared for in a skilled • Has activated its emergency operations center • Keep specialized items ready, including nursing facility, such as a hospital or nursing and its emergency management plan. extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, cathe- home, he or she must arrange pre-admittance 2. The prescription medication refill must be ters, medication, food for service animals, with a specific facility prior to the evacuation. requested within 30 days and any other items you might need. You must have a copy of the pre-admission let- ter from your doctor stating that you are to be • After any of the conditions listed above (in • Keep a list of the type and model numbers of taken to a specific hospital or nursing home section 1) occur; or the medical devices you require. and arrangements have been made with the • Be sure to make provisions for medications facility for admittance. This letter must accom- • Until these conditions are terminated by the that require refrigeration. pany you when you are evacuated. Medicare authority that issued the conditions; or will only pay for hospitalization claims that • If you require oxygen, check with your sup- are deemed medically necessary; therefore, • When these conditions no longer exist. plier about emergency plans. arrangements must be made in advance. If 3. The time period for the waiver of prescrip- • If you require a respirator or other electric- any costs arise from your admittance, you are tion medication refills may be extended in 15- dependent medical equipment, you should responsible for them. or 30-day increments by emergency orders make prior medical arrangements with Transportation issued by the Office of Insurance Regulation. your physician. You should also register in Residents who require transportation assis- During emergencies, you can find further advance with your local power company. tance can indicate this need with the Special announcements at www.ahca.myflorida.com. Needs Registry and will be taken to public Public Shelters Medicare beneficiaries and those with End-Stage shelters, special needs shelters or medical Renal Disease (ESRD) may call 1-800-MEDI- Because some people do not have the option facilities. CARE for more information. to independently evacuate out of the area, the American Red Cross operates public shelters. (continued on page 16) Special Edition 2012 Elder Update Hazardous Materials 15 Hazardous Materials IncidentS There are thousands of substances tape and plastic sheeting, wax • Follow all evacuation directions. defined by the Occupational Safe- paper or aluminum wrap. • Remain calm. ty and Health Administration as • Turn off all exhaust fans in kitch- “chemicals” that represent a physi- cal or health hazard. Approximate- ens, bathrooms, and other spaces. If You Have a Family Member in a ly 360 of these substances are clas- • Do not use fireplaces, and close Nursing Home or Hospital sified as “extremely hazardous.” the dampers. • Check with these facilities in Extremely hazardous substances • Close as many internal doors as advance to determine their evac- can be in liquid, gas, or solid form. Exposure to these chemicals can possible in your home or other uation procedures. building. cause serious illness or death. • Local radio and television stations • Use tape and plastic food wrap- What to Do During a Hazardous will announce where patients are ping, wax paper, or aluminum being moved. Materials Accident wrap to cover and seal bathroom State and local governments have exhaust fan grills, range vents, If Your Children or Grandchildren established safety guidelines for dryer vents, and other openings Are in School your protection in the event of to the outside to the extent pos- a hazardous materials accident. sible (including any obvious gaps • If your children or grandchildren Emergency officials will provide around external windows and are in school during an accident, timely, accurate information and doors). do not try to pick them up. They instructions. • Cover or refrigerate any uncov- will be transported to pickup If You Are Told to Protect Your ered food. areas outside any affected area, if Breathing • If an explosion is possible out- necessary. Local radio and televi- doors, close drapes, curtains and sion stations will announce when Cover your nose and mouth with a shades over windows. Stay away and where children can be picked large, wet bath towel or cloth. For a higher degree of protection, go from external windows to pre- up. School personnel will super- into the bathroom, close the door, vent potential injury from flying vise and care for the children and turn on the shower in a strong glass. until they are picked up. spray to “wash” the air. Seal any • Minimize the use of elevators in openings to the outside of the bath- buildings. These tend to “pump” If You Have Livestock room as best you can. Don’t worry outdoor air in and out of a build- • Place the animals in an enclosed about running out of air to breathe. ing as they travel up and down. That is highly unlikely in standard shelter, if possible. • Stay tuned to a local radio or homes and buildings. • Leave plenty of water and food television station for official If You Are Told to Stay Indoors information. for several days. • Use stored feed if possible. • Quickly bring everyone inside, If You Are Told to Evacuate including your pets. • Tune to a local radio or television • Remain indoors until further • Lock all doors and windows. station for further instructions. notice. • Turn off appliances – except for If You Grow Food Products • Close all doors to the outside and the refrigerator – and faucets. close and lock all windows. Win- • Bring your pets with you. Be sure • Do not eat or sell products. dows sometimes seal better when to include your pet disaster sup- • Protective actions – such as locked. plies (see page 12). washing, discarding, etc., – are • Set all ventilation systems to • Keep your car vents and windows specific to the crops affected 100 percent recirculation so that closed. Do not use the heater or and their maturity at the time of air conditioner. no outside air is drawn into the contamination. Reporting a Hazardous structure. When this is not pos- • Drive carefully! • Tune to a local radio or television Materials Incident in Florida: sible, ventilation systems should • Take your disaster supply kit station for additional instructions. • First call 9-1-1 be turned off. with you. You may not know how • Turn off all heating systems. long you will be away from your • For more information, contact • Florida State Warning Point, • Turn off all air conditioners and home. your local agricultural extension toll-free 1-800-320-0519 switch inlets to the “closed” posi- • Listen to a local radio or televi- agent. • National Response Center, tions. Seal any gaps around win- sion station. Emergency officials toll-free 1-800-424-8802 dow type air conditioners with will tell you what to do. Source: www.floridadisaster.org Special Edition 2012 16 disaster preparedness Elder Update Severe Weather Incidents Protect Yourself From Home Repair Fraud Thunderstorms are our most com- If Caught Outdoors and No Shel- One of the many things learned -- Business name, address, phone mon experience of severe weather. ter Is Nearby from Florida’s past experience with number, and fax; They arrive suddenly, with little • Find a low spot away from trees, hurricanes is that the likelihood -- License number and type; warning except the darkening sky as fences and poles – especially of unscrupulous activity increases the thundercloud approaches. If you metal fences and poles. during and after a crisis. Unfor- -- Insurance information; see tall, puffy cumulus clouds grow- tunately, recently numerous Flo- -- Payment and inspection ing and daylight rapidly dimming, • Get to higher ground if flooding ridians fell victim to home repair observe these safety measures: is possible. Abandon cars and fraud, many of them older adults. schedule; climb to higher ground. Note: -- Job plans and specifications; Before the Storm Most flash flood deaths occur in As we approach the coming hurri- cane season, the best way for Flor- -- Specific types and grades of automobiles. • Check weather forecasts before ida’s older adults to protect them- materials; leaving for extended periods • If you are in the woods, take shel- selves is to become informed and -- Itemized total costs; outdoors. ter under the shorter trees. educated about what they can do to • Watch for signs of approaching • Move to a sturdy building or car. avoid becoming victims of home -- Warranties on materials and storms. repair fraud. The following are workmanship; some helpful tips to consider when DO NOT take shelter in small sheds, -- Start and completion dates; and • Postpone outdoor activities if under isolated trees, or in convert- consulting someone about repair- thunderstorms are imminent. ible automobiles. ing damage to your home: -- Contractor’s commitment to This is your best way to avoid obtain all permits. being caught in a dangerous • If you feel your hair start to stand • Before choosing a contrac- situation. on end or your skin tingle, or if tor, contact your local build- you hear crackling sounds, light- ing department to determine the Additional Tips If You Are Near a House or Other ning may be about to strike you. following: Building Squat low to the ground on the -- Licensing requirements; • Ask friends and family for • Make sure that all children are balls of your feet. Place your referrals, and ask contractors hands on your knees with your -- Whether the contractor has a for customer references. accounted for. current and valid license, liabil- head between them. Make your- • Never pay cash for a job. Pay- • Secure outdoor furniture. self the smallest target possible ity and workers’ compensation insurance, and is bonded; ing by check or money order • Go indoors. If the storm is severe, and minimize your contact with provides a written record. -- Required permits and schedule with frequent and close lightning the ground. Do not lie flat. • Get written estimates that bursts, head for a room in the mid- of inspections; In the City include a description of the job dle of a house or other building. -- Whether any complaints have and itemized costs. • Keep away from objects that Do not stand on an apartment-house been filed against the contractor; roof during a thunderstorm. • Never accept an offer to take might conduct electricity (such as and you to the bank to withdraw radiators, pipes, and metal door If You Are on or in Water -- Whether any other requirements money for any reason. frames). • Get out of boats and stay away or legal notices pertain to the • Never agree to get your own • Stay away from windows. from water. job. permits. • Always require a written con- • Do not take a bath or shower dur- • If swimming, get out of the pool, • An unlicensed “handyman” tract, no matter how small the ing a storm. Water helps to con- lake, or ocean at the first sign of cannot legally perform any job. The contract should include, duct electricity, and walls don’t lightning or thunder. Find indoor work valued at more that at minimum, the following: always protect from the high shelter or get into a car. $1,000 for the entire job. energy of a lightning bolt. • Stay out of the water for at least -- Contractor’s name; • Do not get close to electrical 30 minutes after hearing the last appliances such as plug-in radi- thunderclap. Special Needs Registry Contact tinually monitor radio and/or TV os and TVs. Use battery-operated to determine if you are included Source: www.floridadisaster.org Numbers (continued from page 14) radios. in the evacuation area. If your area Transportation is not provided to is ordered to evacuate, gather your • Restrict all calls to cell phones. private homes, hotels, or locations belongings and proceed to your outside of the county. evacuation destination. If you have registered for transportation, units HAIL STORMS Your Responsibilities will be dispatched to your location. Hail can cause significant damage Hailstones the size of softballs can Share your disaster plans with a rel- Bring your hurricane disaster sup- to your vehicle, break windows, fall at speeds faster than 100 mph. ative or friend outside the area. Call plies (see page 12). and damage roofs of homes and after a disaster and let them know businesses. that you are all right and where Sources: Pasco County Office Hail can cause significant bodily Source: www.floridadisaster.org you will be staying if your home of Emergency Management and injuries such as broken bones and is damaged. When a hurricane or http://www.stpete.org/hurricane/ even blindness if it is wind-blown. other emergency threatens, con- elderlytips.asp Special Edition 2012 Elder Update Extreme Temperatures 17 Heat Stress and Heat Stroke: When Things A Deadly Combination Turn Colder

Because older adults are more likely to have chronic medi- • Rest. Even though it’s known as the cal conditions that upset normal body responses to heat and • Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath. Sunshine State, Florida can are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair experience its share of danger- the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, many older • If possible, seek an air-conditioned environment. If ously cold weather for limited adults are not able to adjust as well as young people to periods of time. That point was sudden changes in temperature. you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library to cool effectively driven home early in Heat Stroke off. 2010, when Floridians endured 13 consecutive days of below- Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness any- • Wear lightweight clothing. freezing temperatures across one can face. It occurs when the body becomes unable large areas of the state and ther- to control its temperature and is marked by the following • If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day. mometers showed decidedly un- symptoms: tropical readings as far south as • Avoid strenuous activities. the Everglades and the Florida • The individual loses the ability to sweat and, therefore, Keys. is unable to cool down; and If you have older, at-risk relatives or neighbors, you can help them protect themselves from heat stroke and heat • Body temperature rises to 106 degrees F or higher exhaustion by: To deal with this kind of weath- er, Floridians should follow within 10 to 15 minutes. • Visiting them at least twice a day and watching them the Five Ps of Cold Weather for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Preparedness: Warning signs for heat stroke may include: • Taking them to air-conditioned locations if they have • Protect people An extremely high body Throbbing transportation problems. temperature (above 103 °F) headache • Protect plants • Making sure older adults have access to an electric fan Red, hot, and dry skin (no Dizziness whenever possible. • Protect pets sweating) If you see any signs of severe heat stress, you may be deal- • Protect exposed pipes Rapid, strong pulse Nausea ing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling • Practice fire safety the affected person. Do the following: Heat Exhaustion • Get the person to a shady area. Once you have made your Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that preparations, there are several can develop after several days of exposure to high tempera- • Cool the person rapidly, using whatever methods you steps you should take to be pro- tures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. can. For example, immerse the person in a tub of cool tected from the cold. Stay indoors water, place the person in a cool shower, spray the per- and use safe heating sources. son with cool water from a garden hose, sponge the Be aware of the fire danger from Warning signs of heat exhaustion may include: person with cool water or, if the humidity is low, wrap space heaters and candles, and the person in a cool, wet sheet, and fan him or her be sure to keep those devic- Heavy sweating Headache es away from all flammable vigorously. Paleness Nausea or vomiting materials such as curtains and • Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts furniture. Indoors, don’t use Muscle cramps Fainting until the body temperature drops to 101 degrees F. charcoal or other fuel-burn- ing devices, such as grills that Fatigue Moist, cool skin • If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the produce carbon monoxide. hospital emergency room for further instructions. Installing proper smoke and Weakness Fast, weak pulse carbon monoxide detectors is Dizziness Fast, shallow breaths • Do not give the person alcohol to drink. a good way to further protect yourself. If you have to be out- • Get medical assistance as soon as possible. doors, try to stay dry and in To prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion, you Source: www.cdc.gov areas protected from the wind. should: Wear multiple layers of loose- • Drink cool, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages. fitting, warm clothing, and If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluids you be sure to drink plenty of drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much non-alcoholic fluids and eat high-calorie foods. you should drink when the weather is hot. Also, avoid extremely cold liquids because they can cause cramps. Special Edition 2012 18 Transportation Elder Update Safety Tips for Motorists During Emergencies Too often after a disaster, search flooding is erratic and may occur the car could be swept away at any DEVELOPING EMERGENCY and rescue teams find victims who with little or no warning. moment. might have survived if they had Stay Informed Listen to radio or television for the known whether to stay with or leave TORNADO latest National Weather Service In times of developing emergencies their cars. The following safety tips bulletins on severe weather for the Get out of the Car such as a toxic material spill, nucle- are for drivers in various types of area in which you will drive. A car is the least safe place to be ar plant accident, or terrorist attack, emergencies. In any situation, there keep a radio or television on and is one important rule: Don’t panic. FLOOD during a tornado. When a warn- ing is issued, do not try to leave the await instructions. If evacuation is HURRICANE Turn Around, Don’t Drown area by car. If you are in a car, leave recommended, move quickly but it and find shelter in a building. If calmly, following local emergency Evacuate Early Never attempt to drive through management’s instructions about water on a road. Water can be deep- a tornado approaches and there are appropriate routes, shelters, and Flooding can begin well before a er than it appears, and can rise very no safe structures nearby, lie flat in hurricane nears land. Plan to evac- quickly. Most cars will float dan- a ditch or other ground depression other directions. uate early, and keep a full tank of gerously for at least a short while. with your arms over your head. EMERGENCY SUPPLIES gas during the hurricane season. A car can be buoyed by floodwaters Learn the best evacuation route and then swept downstream during SUMMER HEAT Keep in the Car before a storm forms, and make a flood. Floodwaters can also erode Stay Out of a Parked Car Cars should be equipped with sup- arrangements with friends or rela- roadways, and a missing section tives inland to stay with them until During hot weather, heat build-up plies that could be useful in any of road – even a missing bridge – emergency. Check the list of items the storm has passed. will not be visible with water run- in a closed or nearly closed vehicle can occur quickly and intensely. to be included in your car’s disaster Never attempt to drive during a ning over the area. Wade through kit on page 12. hurricane or before the all-clear floodwaters only if the water is not Children and pets can die from heat notification is given after the storm. flowing rapidly, and only in water stroke in a matter of minutes if left It is also very important to remem- Flash flooding can occur after a no higher than your knees. If a car in a closed car. It is imperative that ber: Never carry gasoline inside a hurricane has passed. Avoid driv- stalls in floodwater, get out quickly you never leave anyone in a parked vehicle, in any container. ing on coastal and low-lying roads. and move to higher ground. The car during periods of high summer Storm surge and hurricane-caused floodwaters may still be rising, and heat. Source: www.fema.gov/hazards

get real-time reports on regional road- 511 Tips Do You Know About 511? ways as well as airports and public • Speak as clearly as possible Dial 511 from your cell phone or land- transportation. • Toll-free calls with speech-acti- and minimize any background line before hitting the road. The ser- vated menus vice provides real-time travel infor- noise, including radios and open • Cell phone or landline use www.FL511.com: Log on for windows. mation on all interstate highways in Real-Time Travel Updates and Florida, as well as Florida’s Turnpike. • Access to regional 511 systems in • Say “other parts of the state” to Florida Custom Trips 511 lets you know about accidents, You can also point your internet transfer to Florida’s regional 511 road construction, severe weather Severe Weather Evacuation browser to www.FL511.com to receive services. conditions or other things that can Information statewide and regional travel updates. • Say “help” for instructions. slow you down. The traffic informa- When storms threaten Florida, a call • Say “next,” “previous,” “stop,” or tion is free; however, standard cell to 511 will let you know before you The website provides much of the phone minutes or roaming charges “repeat” to navigate more quickly go. Should you need to evacuate, call same information as the phone call, through the phone menus. may apply. You can access specific 511 before you leave home so you can plus additional features, including information for highways by asking • Say “main menu” at any time to plan ahead. 511 will give you infor- traffic cameras. Check out the site start over. for them by name from the speech- mation about road conditions, conges- before leaving home or while travel- • Say “feedback” to report conges- activated menu. You can also request tion, contraflow, suspended tolls, and ing throughout the state. It’s fast, easy information about roadways in a spe- weather-related road closings. and just a few clicks away. tion not already reported on 511. cific county or city. • If you already know your selec- A special feature of the website, My tion, interrupt 511 at any time. 511 Connects You to Regional 511 systems are available in other states. Statewide Florida 511 Features Travel Information Florida 511, allows you to customize • Travel information on Florida Florida’s Statewide 511 service your 511 experience. Create a custom For information about the status of interstate highways and Florida’s gives you access to detailed travel profile online for trips you frequently 511 nationwide, go to deploy511.org/ Turnpike information in the Central Florida, make for business or pleasure. Then, deployment-stats.html. when you call 511, the system will rec- • Information on accidents, lane Southeast Florida, Southwest Flori- ognize your phone number using sim- closures, and construction da, Northeast Florida, and Tampa Bay regions. You can connect to ple caller ID technology. You’ll have Source: Florida Department of • Severe weather, evacuation, and those regional 511 services by say- the opportunity to hear about traffic Transportation child abduction alerts reports on an entire trip with just one • 24-hour-a-day availability ing “other parts of the state.” You’ll voice prompt. Special Edition 2012 Elder Update disaster recovery 19 Disaster and Recovery Assistance for Seniors Assistance for senior citizens and are concerned they may be forced to those with special needs – in the form move from their home into a nursing of counseling and help filling out home, assisted living facility or travel paperwork – is available for Florida trailer. Therefore, they choose to stay residents affected by hurricanes that in familiar surroundings even though impact the state. their home is damaged. They will not be required to leave their home Friends, neighbors, relatives, and against their will. community groups can help seniors obtain that assistance from the Feder- Another occasional misconception is al Emergency Management Agency that they must repay assistance award- (FEMA) and the Florida State Emer- ed in the form of a grant. FEMA and gency Response Team (SERT). state grants do not require repayment. Some seniors may hesitate to com- Following a disaster, seniors are often plete an application form for a Small separated from their usual commu- Business Administration (SBA) nity and support groups, which fur- low-interest loan, but must do so to ther compounds communication and keep the door open for other types transportation challenges. ery process. That process is individu- Information provided during these of assistance. If a loan is not appro- ally handled if they are identified as first two steps automatically triggers priate, applicants can be referred to Family, friends, and neighbors are having special needs according to set the third and final stage of individual the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) encouraged to take a personal interest criteria. assistance to seniors with special grant program — but only after being in the welfare of those with special needs. “FEMA and the State of Florida declined by SBA. They cannot apply needs and to offer help and transpor- The next step for an applicant with work closely with each identified directly to the ONA program. tation as needed. They can reassure special needs is to complete and sign individual to smooth the process the victim that he or she won’t be an “Authorization to Release Con- of getting the help needed,” said Therefore, those who do not com- forced to move and that an assistance fidential Information” form. FEMA former State Coordinating Officer plete an SBA loan application may grant does not have to be repaid. Disaster Recovery Centers, staffed by Craig Fugate, now the Administrator be disqualifying themselves for other experts, can help applicants complete of FEMA. “That help can take types of assistance. The applicant is The first step in registering for disas- the release form, which satisfies pri- the form of loans, grants, or help not obligated to take an SBA loan if ter assistance is to call the FEMA vacy laws so that eligibility for vari- in contacting voluntary agencies approved, but if the loan is offered toll-free registration number 1-800- ous kinds of disaster assistance may such as the Salvation Army, and refused, there is no referral to 621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362), or TTY be determined. Community relations American Red Cross and a multitude grant programs. 1-800-462-7585 for those with hear- workers and housing inspectors also of other volunteer and faith-based ing or speech impairment. Applicants have the forms and actively seek out groups.” Older adults may also hesitate to will receive a registration number, people who need help completing apply for assistance because they which tracks them through the recov- them. Source: FEMA Recovery News

water transfer pump to remove standing water. Be sure to wear rub- Re-Entering Your Flooded Home ber boots. When returning to a home that’s been flooded after natural disasters such • If you do not have electricity, or it is not safe to turn it on, you can use a as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, be aware that your house may be portable generator to power equipment to remove standing water. Never contaminated with mold or sewage, which can cause health risks for your operate a gasoline engine inside a home. Such improper use can create family. dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide, which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. When You First Re-Enter Your Home: • If weather permits, open windows and doors of the house to aid in the drying-out process. • If you have standing water in your home and can turn off the main power from a dry location, do so, even if it delays cleaning. If you must • Use fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. Fans should be enter standing water to access the main power switch, call an electrician placed to blow the air outwards rather than inwards, so not to spread to turn it off. Never turn power on or off yourself or use an electric tool the mold. or appliance while standing in water. • Have your home heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) sys- • Have an electrician check the house’s electrical system before turning tem checked and cleaned by a maintenance or service professional. the power on again. • Prevent water outdoors from re-entering your home. • If flood or storm water has entered your home, dry it out as soon as pos- • Ensure that crawl spaces have proper drainage to limit water seepage. sible. It may be contaminated with mold and sewage. • If you have electricity – and an electrician has determined that it’s safe Source: www.cdc.gov to turn it on – use a “wet-dry” shop vacuum or an electric-powered Special Edition 2012 20 Disaster recovery Elder Update

Wash your hands. Use soap and water to wash your hands. If water isn’t avail- Keeping Safe After a Disaster: What to Do able, you can use alcohol-based prod- ucts made for washing hands. Food Safety burning devices inside your home, well ventilated, and discard materials Throw away food that may have come basement, garage, or carport, or near that retain water and can’t be repaired. Wear protective gear for cleanup in contact with flood or storm water. open windows, doors, or vents outside If you see or smell mold, clean it with a work. Wear hard hats, goggles, heavy Throw away canned foods that are your home. solution of one cup of household liquid work gloves, and watertight boots with bleach per one gallon of water. bulging, opened, or damaged. Throw Electrical Safety steel toes and insoles (not just steel shank). Wear earplugs or protective away food that has an unusual odor, During hurricanes, power outages and Cleanup headphones to reduce risk from equip- color, or texture. Throw away perish- flooding often cause electrical hazards. Take out and throw away items that ment noise. able foods that have been above 40 °F Never touch a downed power line or have soaked up water and that cannot for two hours or more. Thawed food anything in contact with a downed be cleaned and dried. Fix water leaks. Animals and Mosquitoes that contains ice crystals or is 40 °F power line. Contact the utility com- Use fans and dehumidifiers, and open Wild or stray animals may be disori- or below can be refrozen or cooked. pany before performing work near a doors and windows to remove mois- ented and dangerous after a hurricane, If cans have come in contact with downed power line. ture. To remove mold, mix one cup of flood, or other disaster, so be cautious. floodwater or storm water, remove the bleach in one gallon of water, wash the If a power line falls on your vehicle It is imperative to beware of snakes and labels, wash the cans and dip them in item with the bleach mixture, scrub while you are in it, remain in your other wild animals that may have been a solution of one cup of bleach in five rough surfaces with a stiff brush, rinse car unless the vehicle catches fire or brought into the area by floodwaters. gallons of water. Using a marker, re- the item with clean water, then dry it or authorities tell you it is safe to vacate it. If a snake bites you, try to identify it label the cans. leave it to dry. Do not touch a person who appears to so that, if it is poisonous, you can be While the power is out, avoid open- have been electrocuted without check- Check and clean heating, ventilating, given the correct anti-venom. Do not ing refrigerator and freezer doors. Add ing to see whether the person is still in and air-conditioning systems before cut the wound or attempt to suck the block ice or dry ice to your refrigera- contact with the electrical source. use. To clean hard surfaces – walls, venom out; seek medical attention tor if the electricity is expected to be floors, and counter surfaces – that do immediately. off longer than four hours. Wear heavy Utility Shut-off and Safety not soak up water and that may have Secure all food sources and remove gloves when handling ice. In the event of a disaster, you may be been in contact with floodwater, first any animal carcasses from your prop- instructed to shut off the utility service Water Safety wash with soap and clean water. Next erty to avoid attracting other animals, at your home. Before a disaster, contact disinfect with a mixture of one cup of Local authorities will tell you if tap such as rats. Wear insect repellant your local utility companies to learn bleach in five gallons of water. Then water is safe to drink or to use for when outdoors, as flooding can lead how to safely cut off your natural gas, allow to air dry. Wash all clothes and cooking or bathing. If the water is not to more mosquitoes, which may carry water, and electricity. Do not turn the linens in hot water. Steam clean car- safe to use, follow local instructions to disease. power back on until a qualified profes- pets. Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, use bottled water or to boil or disinfect sional has inspected all equipment. and goggles when cleaning with bleach. Source: www.cdc.gov water for cooking, cleaning, brushing Open windows and doors to get fresh teeth, or bathing. Building Safety air. Never mix bleach and ammonia – Buildings may no longer be safe fol- Replacing Vital Documents Boil Water Advisory the fumes from the mixture could kill lowing a hurricane or flood. There are you. Create a supply of water that is safe for a number of dangers that you need to be The U.S. government’s official web cooking, drinking, and brushing teeth aware of as you return and begin clean- Personal Safety portal is www.usa.gov. This website by bringing water to a rolling boil for ing up your home or other building. In Pace yourself and get support. Be alert is an all-inclusive source of one minute. You should begin timing general, return to buildings during the to physical and emotional exhaustion information related to our it when the water starts to bubble. Cool daytime so you don’t have to use lights, or strain. Set priorities for cleanup governments – be it federal, state, the water, then place it in clean con- and be aware of possible structural, tasks, and pace the work. Try not to tainers for use or refrigerate. local, or tribal. electrical or gas-leak hazards. work alone. Don’t get exhausted. Ask Included in the site is a page with a If you can’t boil water, add 1/8 tea- Fire Hazards your family members, friends, or pro- spoon of newly purchased, unscent- fessionals for support. If needed, seek collection of links that can help you Use battery-powered lanterns and ed liquid household bleach per gal- professional help. replace documents that have been flashlights, if possible, instead of lon of water. Stir the water well lost or damaged: bank records; candles. Stay cool. When it’s hot, stay in air- and let it stand for 30 minutes before birth, marriage, and death you use it. You can use water-purifying conditioned buildings; take breaks in If you must use candles, make sure you shaded areas or in cool rooms; drink certificates; damaged money; tablets instead of boiling water or using put them in safe holders, away from document restoration; drivers’ bleach. Laundry and showering water water and nonalcoholic fluids often; curtains, paper, wood, or any other wear lightweight, light-colored, licenses and vehicle registration; does not need to be treated, unless spe- flammable items. federal civilian personnel records; cifically listed. loose-fitting clothing; and do outdoor Mold Prevention activities during cooler hours. immigration documents; medical information forms; Medicare card Carbon Monoxide Safety Rain or floodwaters that get into build- Treat wounds. Clean out all open During a power outage, running power ings can create conditions that enable wounds and cuts with soap and clean replacement; military records; generators or other devices can lead mold to grow; however, you can take water. Apply an antibiotic ointment. passports; savings bonds; Social to deadly carbon monoxide poison- steps to prevent mold growth. The Contact a doctor to find out whether Security cards; and tax returns. ing. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, most important step is to ensure that more treatment is needed (such as The exact web address for these colorless, tasteless gas that kills more water is no longer entering the house a tetanus shot). If a wound gets red, than 500 Americans each year. Never by making all necessary repairs. Fol- links is: www.usa.gov/Citizen/ swells or drains, seek immediate Topics/Family_Issues/Vital_Docs. use generators, grills, camp stoves, or lowing that, clean and dry all wet items medical attention. other gasoline, charcoal, or propane within 48 to 72 hours, keep wet areas shtml Special Edition 2012 Elder Update Disaster Recovery 21 Frequently Asked Questions After a Disaster I can’t get through to FEMA. I am 70 years old, and my house How can I apply for disaster has no mortgage. Why would I help? want a 30-year loan? It’s best to place your call to 1-800- It all depends on an individual’s 621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) either financial resources and personal early in the morning or late at night. preferences. Persons with hearing or speech impairment can call TTY 1-800- If the property has a potential value 462-7585. In addition to having for you and your heirs, you’ll prob- pen and paper available to record ably want to repair your valuable important phone contacts when investment. If you do not have the you register, you will also need: cash to repair your home to pre- disaster condition, a low-interest, • Your Social Security number. long-term loan from the federal • Current and pre-disaster address government may be your best solu- and phone number. tion. The SBA does not discrimi- nate on the basis of age or income. • Insurance information and type. Is disaster financial assistance funds for renting other lodging. Can I have a ramp built for a • Financial information from your FEMA-provided travel trailer/ bank (routing and account num- reportable as income? You then may receive in the mail an application for a loan from the mobile home? ber) if you choose to have funds No. But you may be able to claim casualty losses and receive an early U.S. Small Business Administra- Requirements for ramps for travel transferred directly to your finan- tion (SBA). Be sure to fill it out and cial institution. benefit from such a deduction. If trailers or mobile homes are part you think you may qualify, call the return it in order to remain under of the initial assessment. If you did consideration for further assistance. You can also apply for assistance Internal Revenue Service toll-free not receive a ramp but require one, online at www.fema.gov. Many at 1-800-829-1040 (or for the hear- How does the SBA loan work? call the toll-free FEMA Helpline communities have computer ing or speech impaired 1-800-829- at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621- resources at their public libraries 4059), or go online at www.irs.gov. If, upon review of your FEMA 3362). A helpline representative for those without internet access. I’m having trouble understand- application, the SBA determines will ensure that someone will get ing all I need to do to get essen- that you are financially qualified back in contact with you. That looks complicated; can I and able to repay a long-term, low- get someone to help do this? tials such as food and water. I have trees down all over my Can someone help me do what is interest loan, you will be offered a loan. If it is determined that you yard and can’t handle strenu- Yes. If you need help complet- necessary? ous work. Is there any help for ing your application and you have are unable to qualify for a loan, Absolutely. Your local American you will be considered for another debris removal? no one to assist you, call FEMA’s Red Cross chapter and volunteer Helpline, the same number as the FEMA grant assistance program. Many homeowners insurance poli- agencies are among the first to Loans must be repaid; grants do cies cover debris removal. FEMA application line. You will be direct- respond to such basic human needs ed to a person who can tell you not. You cannot apply directly for and the State of Florida may pro- during a disaster. Your connection a grant. If you are offered a loan, vide funds for cleaning up debris where the nearest Disaster Recov- to them will bring a quick response ery Center is located. Someone you are not required to accept it. on private property or in gated and some suggestions that may If you qualify and reject the loan, there will be able to help you. Be help you take additional action to communities, if the debris pre- however, you won’t be referred to vents access or is damaging the sure to have the necessary informa- speed your recovery. Remember, the additional grant program. tion with you. You may also apply though, that an application to the home. Your local officials can also for assistance at FEMA’s website, American Red Cross will not con- Since we lived on a limited fixed tell you of a pickup schedule for www.fema.gov. nect you with FEMA for help. You income, can we afford to borrow debris placed on public property need to call the FEMA registration money? in your area. The U.S. Small Busi- If I accept a grant, will this ness Administration may also pro- impact my Social Security or hotline in order to be considered for a wide variety of assistance. The disaster loan program managed vide a low-interest loan to assist Medicare programs? by the U.S. Small Business Admin- with debris removal. Some disaster Acceptance of disaster assistance I heard that I had to apply for a istration is tailored to help people at volunteer groups also help prepare loan or I wouldn’t get any help. all levels of income. Interest rates and remove debris for homeowners grants should not affect those Is that true? programs. can be as low as 3.187 percent for who are physically unable to do it When you have damage to your homeowners. If you obtained a themselves. Contact your county Does disaster help have to be home and apply for help with $10,000 loan for 30 years at that emergency manager, or go online repaid? interest rate, your monthly payment FEMA, a FEMA inspector will to learn their current debris remov- would amount to about $44.00. State and federal grants do not have verify the damage. Based on his al information. to be repaid. Loans from the U.S. verification, you may then receive Actual loan amounts and terms are Small Business Administration funds to repair your house to make set by the SBA and are based on Source: FEMA, U.S. Small Busi- must be repaid. it safe, sanitary and functional, or each applicant’s financial condition. ness Administration Special Edition 2012 22 Disaster Recovery Elder Update

Image: Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net What should an applicant expect when calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll- free number to apply for disaster assistance? Applicants will reach an automated recording and will be asked to select English or Spanish. Once the selec- The FEMA tion is made, the actual applica- tion process begins. Callers will be advised to have paper and pen avail- able for taking notes. They will then Application be asked:

• What is the ZIP code where the damage occurred? Process Then, because the same call-in num- ber is used to follow up on a caller’s application status, they will be given A copy of the application and a copy the applicant’s guide first for answers FEMA website by clicking on “Apply options. Option 1 will take callers to of “Help After a Disaster: Appli- to any questions they may have about for Assistance” located in the top bar the registration process. cant’s Guide to the Individuals & disaster assistance. on the home page. Households Program” will be sent. They will be advised to have the fol- The caller will also receive letters Based on applicants’ information, FEMA’s toll-free teleregistration lowing information available: explaining any assistance being pro- they may also be mailed a loan appli- number is 1-800-621-FEMA (or vided or why the caller was not eli- cation from the U.S. Small Business 1-800-621-3362). The TTY number is • The date the damage occurred; gible for certain types of assistance. Administration (SBA). Informa- 1-800-462-7585 for speech- or hear- • The caller’s Social Security The applicant’s guide is also available tion provided on the loan applica- ing-impaired. The helpline is open number; online at www.fema.gov/assistance/ tion helps determine what type of from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, Eastern • The address of the damaged process/guide.shtm. This is a very additional assistance is available, time. Because of the large number of property; useful publication that explains how including grants. Often, applicants individuals with questions, FEMA FEMA’s disaster assistance program will be forwarded directly to an SBA recommends calling after 6:00 p.m., • An address and telephone num- works; describes additional kinds employee for more information about or on weekends, when fewer people ber where the applicant can of help available from other federal, the low-interest loan program. are trying to call. be reached to receive FEMA state and voluntary agencies; and information and/or to set up an gives many important tips on how to The FEMA website, www.fema.gov, Source: www.fema.gov. appointment for an inspection. make the most of all these programs. provides a wealth of information. (An inspector will call with- FEMA urges all applicants to look in Applicants may register online at the in seven to 10 days to set up an appointment); • Estimated family income; • Insurance information; and Disaster Recovery Centers • County where the damage took What are Disaster Recovery Centers and what ser- • Answers to questions, resolution to problems and place. vices do they provide? referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance; Applicants will be given a seven- A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is a readily acces- digit registration number. This num- sible facility or mobile office where applicants may • Status of applications being processed by FEMA; ber and the Social Security number go for information about FEMA or other disaster • Small Business Administration (SBA) program become the means of identification assistance programs or for questions related to their information if there is an SBA representative at the when calling in to report changes in case. If there is a DRC open in the area, the location Disaster Recovery Center location; and the caller’s information or to request will be listed on the FEMA website. • Assistance by local, state, and federal agencies. status on a case. NOTE: Applicants generally cannot register for assis- FEMA representatives at the Disaster Recovery Cen- Once the operator has received all tance at a DRC, but instead must first register by applying online at www.fema.gov or calling toll-free ter can answer questions and provide the status of an the above information, the caller will application. Representatives of the U.S. Small Busi- be given information about FEMA 1-800-621-FEMA (or 1-800-621-3362); for hearing- or speech-impaired only, call TTY 1-800- 462-7585. ness Administration will also be there. Check your programs and other possible assis- local news media for the location of a center near you, tance available, depending on the Some of the services that a DRC may provide include: or log on to www.fema.gov/assistance/opendrcs. caller’s income, damages and insur- • Guidance regarding disaster recovery; shtm. ance. Some of these programs may • Clarification of any written correspondence be based on the specific needs identi- received; Source: www.fema.gov fied during the interview. • Housing assistance and rental resource information; Special Edition 2012 Elder Update Elder Resources 23

Access to information regard- ing elder services and activities Information and Referral FLORIDA ELDER HELPLINE DIRECTORY is available through the Elder 1-800-96-ELDER Please call the telephone number below in your area for information and referrals. Helpline Information and Refer- (1-800-963-5337) ral service within each Florida Alachua...... 800-262-2243 county. For the hearing or speech Levy ...... 800-262-2243 impaired, all Elder Helplines can Baker...... 888-242-4464 Liberty ...... 866-467-4624 be accessed through the Florida Bay ...... 866-467-4624 Madison...... 866-467-4624 Relay by simply dialing 711 from Bradford...... 800-262-2243 Manatee...... 800-336-2226 anywhere in the state. Brevard...... 321-504-2038 Marion ...... 800-262-2243 Broward...... 954-745-9779 Martin...... 866-684-5885 Florida Area Agencies on Aging (Counties Served) Calhoun ...... 866-467-4624 Miami-Dade...... 305-670-4357 Charlotte ...... 866-413-5337 Monroe...... 305-670-4357 Citrus...... 800-262-2243 Nassau ...... 888-242-4464 Clay...... 888-242-4464 Okaloosa...... 866-531-8011 Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging of Central Florida, Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Inc., dba Senior Resource Alliance Collier...... 866-413-5337 Okeechobee...... 866-684-5885 5090 Commerce Park Circle 988 Woodcock Road, Suite 200 Columbia ...... 800-262-2243 Orange Pensacola, FL 32505 Orlando, FL 32803 DeSoto ...... 866-413-5337 in-county...... 211 850-494-7101 • 1-866-531-8011 407-514-1800 Dixie...... 800-262-2243 out-of-county...... 407-839-4357 (Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton (Brevard, Orange, Osceola and Duval...... 888-242-4464 Osceola Counties) Seminole Counties) in-county...... 211 Escambia ...... 866-531-8011 out-of-county...... 407-839-4357 Area Agency on Aging Area Agency on Aging Flagler...... 888-242-4464 Palm Beach ...... 866-684-5885 for North Florida, Inc. for Southwest Florida Franklin ...... 866-467-4624 Pasco...... 800-963-5337 2414 Mahan Drive 15201 N. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 1100 Gadsden...... 866-467-4624 Tallahassee, FL 32308 North Fort Myers, FL 33903 Pinellas...... 800-963-5337 850-488-0055 • 1-866-467-4624 239-652-6900 Gilchrist ...... 800-262-2243 Polk...... 800-336-2226 (Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, (Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Glades...... 866-413-5337 Putnam...... 800-262-2243 Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Lee and Sarasota Counties) Gulf...... 866-467-4624 Santa Rosa...... 866-531-8011 Madison, Taylor, Wakulla and Washington Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/ Hamilton ...... 800-262-2243 Sarasota...... 866-413-5337 Counties) Treasure Coast, Inc. Hardee...... 800-336-2226 Seminole Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging, Inc., 4400 North Congress Avenue Hendry...... 866-413-5337 in-county...... 211 dba Elder Options West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Hernando...... 800-262-2243 out-of-county...... 407-839-4357 5700 S.W. 34th Street, Suite 222 561-684-5885 • 1-866-684-5885 Highlands...... 800-336-2226 St . Johns...... 888-242-4464 Gainesville, FL 32608 (Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach Hillsborough ...... 800-336-2226 St . Lucie ...... 866-684-5885 352-378-6649 • 1-800-262-2243 and St. Lucie Counties) Sumter...... 800-262-2243 (Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Holmes...... 866-467-4624 Areawide Council on Aging of Broward Suwannee ...... 800-262-2243 Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Lake, Indian River...... 866-684-5885 County, Inc., Aging and Disability Levy, Marion, Putnam, Sumter, Suwannee and Jackson...... 866-467-4624 Taylor ...... 866-467-4624 Resource Center of Broward County Union Counties) Jefferson...... 866-467-4624 Union ...... 800-262-2243 5300 Hiatus Road Volusia ...... 888-242-4464 Northeast Florida Area Agency on Aging, Sunrise, FL 33351 Lafayette ...... 800-262-2243 dba ElderSource 954-745-9567 Lake ...... 800-262-2243 Wakulla...... 866-467-4624 4160 Woodcock Drive, 2nd Floor (Broward County) Lee ...... 866-413-5337 Walton...... 866-531-8011 Jacksonville, FL 32207 Washington...... 866-467-4624 Alliance for Aging, Inc. Leon...... 866-467-4624 904-391-6600 • 1-888-242-4464 760 NW 107th Avenue, Suite 201 (Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns Miami, FL 33172 and Volusia Counties) 305-670-6500 Elder Helpline Can Assist Non-English Speakers Area Agency on Aging (Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties) of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. By calling the Elder Helpline, 9887 4th Street North Florida’s elders can access Suite 100 If you need information about, or referral information and referral services St. Petersburg, FL 33702 to, a service provider outside Florida, call through a translation service. 727-570-9696 the national Eldercare Locator Service at Telephone interpreters provide (Pasco and Pinellas Counties) 1-800-677-1116. An information specialist live, on-the-line assistance by West Central Florida will assist you Monday through Friday translating from English into as Area Agency on Aging, Inc. from 9 a.m. – 11p.m. Eastern time. For many as 148 different languages. 5905 Breckenridge Parkway, Suite F people with Telecommunication Devices Tampa, FL 33610-4239 for the Deaf (TDDs), all Elder Helplines, as 813-740-3888 • 1-800-336-2226 well as the Eldercare Locator Service, can Are you worried that an elder relative or friend may be the victim of (Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee be accessed through Florida Relay Service abuse? You can report known or suspected cases of abuse by calling and Polk Counties) at 1-800-955-8771. Florida’s Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). Special Edition 2012 24 Disaster Preparedness Elder Update Government and Voluntary Agencies Special Needs Registries Disaster Contact Information To learn about services, including special needs shelters, provided by your county for Family, friends, and neighbors who wish to assist elder or special-needs storm those with special needs or to sign up for the Special Needs Registry, call your county survivors may find the following list of telephone numbers helpful: at the number below.* Alachua 352-264-6582 Lee 239-533-3640 Florida Emergency Information Line 1-800-342-3557 Baker 904-259-6111 or 239-477-3636 FEMA Registration 1-800-621-3362 Leon 850-488-5921 (first step for disaster assistance) (or 1-800-621-FEMA) Bay 850-248-6047 850-248-6030 Levy 352-486-5213 FEMA (TTY for Hearing Impaired) 1-800-462-7585 Bradford 904-966-6336 Liberty 850-643-2339 American Red Cross (food, shelter, financial assistance) 1-800-733-2767 (volunteers & donations) Español: 1-800-257-7575 Brevard 321-637-6670 Madison 850-973-3698 Salvation Army 1-800-725-2769 Broward 954-357-6385 Manatee 941-749-3500 ext. 1667 Feeding America 1-800-771-2303 or TDD line- 954-357-5608 or 941-749-3505 Florida Volunteer and Donations Hotline 1-800-354-3571 Calhoun 850-674-8075 Marion 352-369-8100 Elder Helpline (Information + Referral) 1-800-963-5337 Charlotte 941-833-4000 Martin 772-287-1652 ext. 1 (Florida Department of Elder Affairs) (or 1-800-96-ELDER) Citrus 352-746-6555 Miami-Dade 305-513-7700 Florida Department of Financial Services (claims problems) 1-800-227-8676 352-249-2707 Monroe 305-292-4591 (or 1-800-22-STORM) Clay 904-284-7703 Nassau 904-548-4980 TDD: 1-800-640-0886 Okaloosa 850-651-7150 Price Gouging Hotline (Florida Attorney General) 1-866-966-7226 Collier 239-252-3636 or 239-252-3600 Okeechobee 863-462-5819 Price Gouging Hotline 1-800-435-7352 (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services) Columbia 386-758-1125 Orange 407-836-9319 Florida Abuse Hotline 1-800-962-2873 Dade (See Miami-Dade) Osceola 407-742-9000 (or 1-800-96-ABUSE) DeSoto 863-993-4831 Palm Beach 561-712-6400 ext. 4 Small Business Administration Helpline 1-800-659-2955 Dixie 352-498-1240 ext. 231 (SBA loans for applicants) Pasco 727-847-8137 Duval 904-630-2472 or (TDD) 727-847-8949 Social Security Administration (information on programs) 1-800-772-1213 TTY: 1-800-325-0778 Escambia 850-471-6400 Pinellas 727-464-3800 ext. 1 IRS (tax information) 1-800-829-1040 Flagler 386-313-4200 Polk 863-534-5606 TDD: 1-800-829-4059 Franklin 850-653-8977 ext. 2 Putnam 386-329-0379 U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs 1-800-827-1000 Santa Rosa 850-983-5360 (information and referral) TDD: 1-800-829-4833 Gadsden 850-875-8642 Sarasota 941-861-5000 FEMA Fraud & Abuse Hotline 1-800-323-8603 Gilchrist 386-935-5400 (Department of Homeland Security) Glades 863-946-6020 Seminole 407-665-5121 Florida Child Care (resource and referral) 1-866-357-3239 Gulf 850-229-9110 407-665-5102 Florida Power & Light (outages update) 1-800-468-8243 Hamilton 386-792-6647 St. Johns 904-824-5550 Unemployment Claims (Florida Department Economic Opportunity) 1-800-204-2418 Hardee 863-773-6373 St. Lucie 772-462-8100 Hendry 863-674-5400 Sumter 352-569-6000 Information needed when contacting FEMA Hernando 352-754-4083 Suwannee 352-364-3405 Highlands 863-385-1112 Taylor 850-838-3575 ∙∙Your Social Security number ∙∙A routing and account number Union 386-496-3211 from your bank (only necessary Hillsborough 813-307-8063 Current and pre-disaster address ∙∙ if you want to have disaster Holmes 850-547-1112 or 386-496-4300 ∙∙A telephone number where you assistance funds transferred Indian River 772-567-2154 Volusia can be contacted directly into your bank account) 386-258-4088 Jackson 850-482-9678 386-736-5980 Insurance information A description of your losses that ∙∙ ∙∙ or 850-718-0008 386-423-3395 were caused by the disaster During Disaster 866-345-0345 ∙∙Total household annual income Jefferson 850-342-0211 Wakulla 850-745-7200 Lafayette 386-294-1950 *Source: Florida Division of Emergency Management All numbers are Walton 850-892-8186 correct at time of publication. Numbers are updated throughout the year at Lake 352-343-9420 http://floridadisaster.org/disability/snshelterlist.html Washington 850-638-6203