Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities and Functional NeedsTABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction # Emergency situations defined # Your emergency plan and supply kit # Your evacuation plan # Help children cope with disasters # Important phone numbers and information # INTRODUCTION An Emergency Plan addresses: * What to * do * Where to go, if necessary * A Pet Plan * What to have on hand * What to take with you Before Developing a Plan Ask yourself what resources you rely on regularly and determine how a disaster might affect your use of them. * Consider buying flood insurance * even if you are not in a designated flood zone* . Flood insurance must be in place at least 30 days prior to an event that the insurance covers. * Identify your disability-related or health condition need* s by writing them down and carrying this information with you, or wearing medical alert tags or bracelets. * If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your health care provider about what you can do to prepare for its use during a power outage. * If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information list notes the best way to communicate with you. * Be sure you have cash or * travelers checks in your * emergency supply * kits in case you need to * buy something* . * Advocate for yourself. Practice how to quickly explain to people the best and safest way to help you or move you and your assistive device(s). In addition to the issues raised above, and the general emergency plan items that are identified in the next part of this guide, a person with a disability may need to do additional detailed planning. The following are critical questions you must ask yourself, and answer honestly before and as you compose your plan. ? Have you submitted an application for eligibility for special needs shelter services? ? Do you keep cash in your house or have easy access to a bank or ATM? ? Do you and all members of your family or evacuation group have photo IDs issued by a government agency? ? Do you have identification bracelets for children, in case they get separated from the evacuation group? ? If you have a vehicle, do you keep an eye on the gas gauge, and fill the tank when it is half full? Do you have an approved gas can that you can take with you? ? If you must evacuate, do you have transportation? Where will you go? How will you get there? ? While you may not normally need the services of the local transportation provider, will you need their services during an emergency? ? Did you register to receive the transportation provider’s services? ? Flood zones and mobile homes are the primary areas you should evacuate. If you are going to leave the area, make sure you plan to leave early. ? If electricity goes out for three or more days, can you stay in your home safely? Do you use any durable medical equipment that needs electricity to function? ? If your equipment is battery operated, how can you get the battery recharged? ? If you are deaf or hard of hearing, since most of the media coverage is by radio or television, do you have a support system to let you know what is going on? ? If you have a personal care attendant that comes to your home or place of work, what will happen if he or she cannot get to you? ? Will you have enough medications or medical supplies to last at least two weeks? Do you have medications that need to be refrigerated? If so, do you have an ice chest and access to ice or other cooling material? ? Do you have food and water that you can get to, to last at least 72 hours? ? Do you have plans for your service animal? Your pet? Advice for Everyone Lessons Learned from Past Hurricanes and other events * Remember that people in some areas of your state may have been asked or ordered to evacuate before you, so even if you leave early, roads may be congested. * If possible, you should know where you are going and how you plan to get there before you leave home. Let others know your destination and intended route. * Using alternate routes may lessen your travel time. Know what alternate routes are useable before you leave. * Leaving early will shorten your travel time. Leaving later may not allow you enough time to reach safe shelter. * You will need cash and a full tank of gas (see page * XX* ). After a storm * Have valid identification (see * page * XX* ). You may not be allowed back into your home neighborhood unless you can show proof of residency. * Stay at home and avoid sightseeing, which can impede emergency and recovery response from officials. * If there was flooding beware of snakes, insects and animals driven to higher ground. * Avoid downed or dangling utility wires. * Enter your house with caution. * Be cautious with fires. Do not strike matches until you are certain there are no gas leaks. * If a power outage occurs, turn off or disconnect all electrical appliances and fixtures to avoid damage from sudden surges when power is restored. * If you have a generator, DO NOT OPERATE IT INSIDE. DO NOT OPERATE IT OUTSIDE NEAR ANY DOOR, WINDOW, OR GARAGE DOOR. * Turn the refrigerator and freezer controls to the coldest settings. Don’t open refrigerator or freezer possible during a power outage unless necessary* . * Food will stay frozen for up to 48 hours if a freezer is full and tightly packed and the door is kept closed. Food in a partly filled freezer may keep for 24 hours. * Fill empty freezer spaces with reusable ice containers, or fill empty plastic containers about four-fifths full of water, cap the containers loosely and place in empty spaces to freeze. * If food in the freezer does defrost, use it within one or two days. Never refreeze food that has thawed completely. How do you tell if food has gone bad? The safe answer is, “If in doubt, throw it out!" A well thought out and practiced plan will help you and your family to be ready for emergencies. Be sure to include all members of your family, as well as pets, in your emergency plan. You will want to consider the special needs of pregnant women, infants and young children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Emergency Situations Defined Weather related: SHORT TERM WATCHES AND WARNINGS These warnings provide detailed information about specific threats, such as flash floods and tornados, that often accompany hurricanes. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information. Hurricanes TROPICAL DEPRESSION: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less. TROPICAL STORM: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39–73 mph. HURRICANE: An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM WATCH is issued when hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified area, usually within 36 hours. The watch should trigger your disaster plan. Start protective measures, especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, or preparing to evacuate your home to a safer place. HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM WARNING is issued when hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours. In the event of a warning for your area, listen to National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio, or your local radio and television stations for frequent updates about the storm as well as advice from local officials. The intensity and the path of the storm can change quickly, and without notice. What to do when a warning is issued * Review your emergency plan. * Decide where you * will go if you are requested to * evacuate. You may * choose to * stay with friends or relatives in a safe location, * stay in * a hotel or motel, or go to a local * public * shelter (special needs if eligible) * . * Remember your pets. Know if your destination (friends, hotel, shelter) is pet-friendly. If you need to make arrangements for your pet, contact your vet, local S * ociety for the * P * revention of * C * ruelty to * A * nimals (SPCA) or * h * umane * s * ociety. Be sure you have up * - * to * - * date immunization records for your pet * . * Gather disaster supplies, including for your pet * . * If you have * a car, h * ave it ready. Check oil * , fluids, * tires, * and fill your gas tank. When the storm approaches * Listen for weather updates. Hurricanes * can change direction * , so remain informed. * Check your emergency evacuation supplies. * Board up or put storm shutters on windows. * Clear your yard of loose objects, bicycles, lawn furniture, * trash cans, etc. Tie down anything that can’t be brought in. * If you have a * swimming pool * , lower the water level a foot * . Super-chlorinate the water * ; cover * the * pump and filtration systems and intakes. * Turn off * any * propane tanks. If you can stay home * Obtain and mark clean containers for storing water. You should have a minimum of one gallon per person per day. * Obtain a week’s supply of non-perishable foods * that you don’t need to cook * . Don’t * forget a non-electric * , manual can opener. * Stay inside, away from windows, glass doors and * s * kylights. * Avoid elevators. * Don’t use * your telephone * or cell phone * unless absolutely necessary. * Wait for official word that the danger is over. Don’t be * fooled by the storm’s calm eye. * If you must leave home, * see page * XX * for tips on * evacuation. Tornados and Severe Thunderstorms Florida has TWO tornado seasons * Spring- * February through April, characterized by the most powerful storms. * S * ummer- * June until September, has the most tornados, but usually not the most dangerous. TORNADO WATCH: Issued when tornadoes are possible in your area. TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your most safe place. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: Issued when a severe thunderstorm is possible in your area. SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: Issued when a severe thunderstorm is occurring. What you can do before the thunderstorm * Review your emergency plan * . * Have a NOAA weather radio with a warning alarm tone and battery backup to receive warnings. * Know your county and * its landmarks (major roads, rivers, communities) to allow you to follow the storm’s progress. * Listen to radio and television for information. If a warning is issued or if threatening weather approaches * I * f you are in a home or * other * building, move to * the strongest room or a designated shelter. * Stay away from windows. * If an underground shelter is not available, move to an * interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a * sturdy piece of furniture. * Mobile homes offer little protection from tornados. If a tornado approaches, get away from mobile homes. * Get out of automobiles. * Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car. * If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a ditch or * depression. After the storm * Stay away from disaster areas. * Report broken power lines or gas lines. * L * eave your home if you smell gas fumes or other chemical smells * . Flooding * STORM SURGE is a dome of water pushed onshore by * hurricane and tropical storm winds. Storm surges can reach * 25 feet high * . * STORM TIDE is a combination of storm surge and the * normal tide * that causes very high water levels * . Before the flood * Review your emergency plan. * Se * e if you are in a flood plain. Find your flood insurance policy if you have one. * Begin * implementing your plan if the flooding * threatens your home. Find an evacuation destination and gather your disaster kit items. When a flash-flood watch is issued for your area * Refer to your emergency plan as to what you will do and where you will go. * Listen to * National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration * ( * NOAA * ) weather radio, and your * area * ’s radio and television stations for warnings and reports of flooding. * Be prepared to evacuate immediately. * If you are on a road, watch for flooding at highway dips, * bridges and low area * s * . Don't drive through standing water. * Follow instructions from emergency officials. When a flash-flood warning is issued for your area * Move quickly to s * ave yourself and those who depend on you. Gather up your critical disaster kit items. * Do not attempt to cross a flooding stream on foot where * water is above your knees. Avoid walking through deep water if you have open cuts or sores. * Keep children away from floodwaters near culverts and storm drains. * Don’t try to drive through water. * Rising water may sweep the vehicle away causing potentially deadly consequences. * If your vehicle stalls, * evacuate all passengers immediately to higher ground. * Be cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood * danger. Nuclear Emergencies In the event of a nuclear emergency, safety information will be broadcast on your local TV and radio stations and public alert systems. The four levels of emergency alerts are: * Notification of an unusual event (lowest)—no radiation * leak—no action needed. * Alert * —Small amounts of radiation may leak—no action * needed. * Site-area emergency * —small amounts of radiation may * leak but it isn’t expected to travel offsite—stay alert to * broadcast safety information * . * General emergency * - * ( * most * serious) * - * radiation could leak * off-site * . B * e prepared to evacuate or shelter-in-place. * In the event of a general emergency, don’t eat food from * an outside garden unless emergency officials approve. If your car breaks down while evacuating, keep windows and vents closed and stay inside. Don’t return home from an evacuation unless officials say it is safe. Terrorism Terrorism is the unlawful use of violence, or the threat of violence, to scare or intimidate people or governments. Terrorists tend to strike highly populated places, businesses and government centers. Other targets may involve transportation, healthcare, utilities and education. There are four types of terrorism: * C * o * nventional * - * bombings and hijackings * Chemical * - poison * Biological * - bacteria and viruses * Radiological * - nuclear weapons or radioactive materials When you are in public * Be aware of your surroundings. * Never leave personal property unattended. * Report suspicious packages or behavior. During a terrorist incident * Stay calm. * Follow instructions from emergency officials. In a chemical or radiological incident * Stay inside unless otherwise instructed. * Go to a basement or below ground room for a radiological incident. * Go to the highest room for a chemical incident, preferably without windows. * Turn off all air handling units. * Close windows and doors and seal off rooms. * In a car or truck, close windows and vents and turn off the heat or air. Following a terrorist incident * Leave rescue efforts to trained personnel especially in a * collapsed building. * If you are trapped in debris, tap against a wall for * rescuers to find you. Avoid yelling so * you do * not breathe in * more dust or smoke. * Follow emergency announcements to learn about a * ssistance. YOUR EMERGENCY PLAN AND SUPPLY KIT Considerations for People with Disabilities If you have access to the Internet, there is an excellent planning tool available at www.floridadisaster.org. Click on “Disability Disaster Information, then, click on "Click here to start your Family Disaster Plan" under paragraph 4. When making your emergency plan, consider: * Each person your plan will cover. Include your * service animals and * pets. * What * supplies * and equipment * you will need* . Read the categories and lists of items to have or take with you. * How much cash you may need if your credit or debit cards don’t work* . * Which financial* , * insurance * and other * records you will need to * have readily available to you* . * How you will communicate with others who need to know where you are and how you’re doing. Does everyone in your evacuation group know the evacuation destination? * * Select two meeting places* : One if you need to * leave home in an emergency and another outside of your * neighborhood if you can’t get back home * after the event. * Out of town contacts* : * Make arrangements with an out of town person to * serve as your * central communications person. Make sure * each person in your * evacuation group has th* e * person’s name, * phone number* (s) * and email address* , and this person has everyone’s phone numbers and email addresses* . Maintain your plan, supplies, and equipment * Review your plan every six months and exercise it to see if it is still valid. * Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills on a regular basis with your family or those with whom you live. * Check food supplies every six months for expiration dates. Eat food which will soon expire and replace eaten items in your emergency supply. * Read the indicator on your fire extinguisher(s) and follow the manufacturer's instructions to recharge. Test your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Replace alarms every 10 years. Plan Maintenance Chart 6 mo 12 mo Notes Review plan Exercise plan Fire Drills Replace food and water Check fire extinguishers Check smoke alarms A Pet Plan Plan for the care of your pets if you have to evacuate your home. Pets, unlike service animals, will only be allowed in designated pet-friendly shelters. Check with your county’s Emergency Management Office to see if there is a pet friendly shelter in your area. You will need to plan where you will take your pet if you must leave your home. Remember to take a leash, muzzle, food, water, immunization records, any medications, and a carrier or cage. An Emergency Supply Kit There are some general items and six basic categories of items you should stock for your emergency supply kit. Be sure that you or your family members, personal care assistants or friends can carry and transport these items if necessary. Keep the items you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container(s) that you or people helping you can manage. The items and quantity of items will meet your personal needs and those who are included in the plan. For Babies * Formula * Diapers/wipes * Bottles, disposable, with disposable nipples * Powdered formula, milk, or baby food * Medications, medicine dropper * Baby soap and shampoo * Baby’s physician or nurse phone number(s) For Pets * food bowl * water bowl * Medications, records of immunizations Collar/Leash/harness * Identification tags, rabies tag * Carrier or cage (1 per animal) * Litter pan (for cat) For Everyone 1) Water * Store one gallon of water per person per day for up to 7 days. This includes water for drinking, cooking, hygiene * . * Include additional water for your pet. * A person who is generally active needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. * Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need to drink even more * . * If you purchase bottled water, keep it in the original, sealed container. * Observe the “use by” date. * Store water in plastic containers such as large soft drink, juice, or milk bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as paper milk cartons or glass bottles. * Store water in a bathtub for washing and to flush toilets 2) Food (non-perishable, not requiring cooking, disposable eating implements, manual can opener) * Pet food * Store at least a three to seven day supply of food per person that does not require refrigeration prior to opening. * Canned or packaged nonperishable meats or fish * Canned vegetables * Canned fruits, packaged dried fruits, nuts * If you must heat food, have a can of jellied alcohol (i.e. Sterno) and matches (in waterproof package). Only use grills or gas operated cookers outdoors in a well * - * ventilated place. * Can opener(s), manual * Disposable plates, plastic utensils or special eating utensils, paper goods (napkins, towels) 3) Medicine * Arrange with your prescriber and pharmacist for adequate supplies of medications. If there is a declaration of emergency in your county, you can get a 30-day supply for the same price you’ve been paying – even if you recently filled your prescription(s). Very important for control of chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, mental health, other conditions. * Equipment and supplies necessary for your medications, such as alcohol wipes, syringes, test equipment; ice or other coolants for medications that require lower temperatures. * List of medical devices such as pacemakers, pumps, monitors, accommodation devices with their models and serial numbers. * Spare prescription glasses, even if they are not your latest prescription. Spare contact lenses and cleaning solution and equipment. * Sunglasses (prescription or not) Non-prescription Drugs * Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever * Anti-diarrhea medication * Antacid (for stomach upset) * Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised * by the Poison Control Center) * Laxative 4) First Aid Kit Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit should include the following: * Sterile, adhesive bandages in assorted sizes * Assorted sizes of safety pins * Cleansing agent/soap * Latex gloves (2 pairs) * Sunscreen * 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4–6) * 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4–6) * Triangular bandages (3) * 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls) * 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls) * Scissors * Adhesive tape * Tweezers * Sewing needle * Moistened towelettes * Antiseptic * Rubbing alcohol * Thermometer * Tongue blades (2) * Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant * Medicine dropper 5) Clothing and bedding * Laundry detergent (in container that can be sealed) * One complete change of clothing and footwear per * person * Sturdy shoes or work boots * Summer hat, to protect head and ears * Rain gear * Personal favorite pillows, sheets * Blankets or sleeping bags * C * old weather items including: * Hat and gloves * Thermal underwear 6) Other Essential and Special Items (some deliberate duplicates) NOTE: Do not include candles. Candles cause more fires after a disaster than anything else. Use a flashlight or lantern. * Battery * chargers for electrical equipment ( * Check with your vendor to know if you can charge your battery by either connecting jumper cables to a vehicle battery or connecting batteries to a converter that plugs into a vehicle’s cigarette lighter, or a solar * charger system.) * Cash or traveler’s checks * Standard telephone you plug directly into the wall * (not a cordless phone) * Battery or crank powered radio (extra batteries if battery powered), with headphone or earplug * Battery or crank powered lantern or flashlight (extra batteries if battery powered) * Hearing devices, and batteries (if appropriate) * Spare keys * Aluminum foil * If you have a computer and have access to a scanner, scan important documents (including home belongings inventory and pictures of your home and its belongings) onto a thumb drive to take with you if you have to evacuate your home. * Waterproof container for * : * N * otebook with the following * contact * information: * Family and friends * H * ome maintenance * and personal services * workers * A list of official emergency numbers * Detailed instructions for shutting off utilities * Medical information including * : * physician’s * contact * number * s * health insurance provider inf * ormation * blood type * allergies * medical * history and current * conditions * medications and doses * , * special handling instructions; and dispensing pharmacy phone number(s) * List of style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers, pumps, accommodation devices * , * assistive devices * Insurance company * (s) * , policy numbers, claims numbers (property insurance, health insurance) * Documents * identifying * disabilities * Credit card, bank, securities * information * If you have an animal * : * immunization records and veterinarian contact information 7) Additional items for people with disabilities including mobility, accessibility, or assistive devices, spare parts and equipment, and supplies (some intentional duplicates): * S * pare batteries for mobility equipment * , other * assistive * devices * , hearing aids * I * ce chest and * ice or “keep cool” material for * medications * . If using "dry ice" use dry cotton gloves * Special * pads or cushions * Recreational * /occupat * ional reading material * Battery-operated * radio or music player and extra * batteries, with headphone or earplug * Urinary function supplies, Ostomy supplies, * Incontinence * pads, personal hygiene items * Dressing devices * Oxygen (tanks or generator) * , with flow rate * attached * Suction equipment * Dialysis equipment and supplies * Wheelchair * or scooter * (name or other ID on it) and repair kit, * including spare parts * , * t * ire repair kit * Walker * , crutches, canes (name or other ID on * them * ) * Dentures For Persons with Visual Disabilities * Talking * or * Braille * clock or large-print timepiece * with extra batteries * A * t least one extra white cane * Mark your disaster supplies items with * f * luorescent tape, * large print, or * Braille * Mark your gas, water, and electric shutoff valves with * fluorescent tape, large print, or * Braille * E * xtra magnifiers For Persons with Hearing Disabilities * Consider getting a portable * , battery-operated * , * digital * television set * . * Emergency broadcasts may give information * in American Sign Language (ASL) or open captioning * Include p * aper and pencils in your home * and car * disaster supplies kit * Keep a flashlight, whistle or other noisemaker * with you at all times * Keep a card in * your disaster supplies kits and with you at all times that indicates you are d * eaf or have a hearing disability * . Include any other appropriate communication * information such as “I do (or do not) know American Sign * Language,” or, “My service animal may legally remain * with me” If you have a speech-related or communication disability: * Consider buying a power converter if you use a laptop * computer to communicate * , which allows * laptops 12 volts or less to be operated from the * accessory socket on the dashboard of a vehicle * H * ave pencil and paper with you as a backup * communication resource * If you use an electronic communicator or artificial larynx that * allows you to communicate by voice, be sure to keep it close * to you * Store copies of a word or letter board and preprinted key * phrases you would use in case of an emergency in all of your * disaster supplies kits, your wallet, purse, etc * . If you use self-administered medical treatments: * C * arry the * medicines * you will need when traveling. See “Medications” page * XX for obtaining additional quantities in an emergency. If you have a cognitive disability: * Keep a copy of any instructions or information you you will need with you and * in the * disaster supplies kits. Prepare this * i * nformation in a way that is easy for you to * understand during a disaster, i.e. a step-by-step * sequence * . * Have a pencil and paper ready to keep track of * and to help you remember * any new * instructions or information you may receive. If you or someone in your household uses a wheelchair, make more than one exit from your home wheelchair accessible in case the primary exit is blocked. Plan and practice how to escape from your home. Priority Reconnection Service: Florida law requires that all utility companies offer a “priority reconnection service” for people with disabilities who use power-dependent equipment. Contact your utility company for more information and to get placed on their priority reconnection list. For individuals who use telecommunications relay services, look into different options to use as back-up including: dialing 711 (nationwide), Cap Tel (captioned telephone), Internet-based relay (through computer, text pager, PDA, etc.), and/or video relay services (through broadband). People will want to help you. Be ready to give brief, clear, and specific instructions and directions to these people, either orally or in writing. Examples: “Please take my— Oxygen tank. Wheelchair. Gamma globulin from the freezer. Insulin from the refrigerator (or ice chest). Communication device from under the bed.” “Please do not try to straighten my knees. They are fused in a bent position.” “I have had a brain injury that affects my memory. Please write down all important instructions and information.” “I am blind/visually impaired. Please let me grasp your arm firmly.” “I am deaf. Please write things down for me.” Let a responder or relief worker know if you cannot wait in lines for long periods for items like water, food and other assistance. Practice how to explain clearly and briefly why you need this assistance. You may also want to write the explanation down ahead of time. Evacuation You will want to consider evacuating your home in the event of flood, fires, or hurricanes. Local government will issue evacuation orders and alert the public using radio, television or other warning systems. Consider risks in your area including living on or near the coast, near the shore or a stream that can flood, or near a nuclear power plant. How strong is your home? Weather related emergencies may affect your roads and utilities. It may take a few days before they are fully restored. Will you be able to cope? In times of emergency, generally it is best to stay at home where you will be most comfortable, but it may be necessary to evacuate. It is important to pay attention to local emergency staff and, if directed to, be prepared to evacuate. If you must evacuate: * Contact * family or friends who are in a safe * place and who have room for you * I * f you have transportation * , you may wish to evacuate the area entirely, out of the danger zone. Be sure your destination is included in your plan. * Consider a public shelter that can meet your needs. There are two types of shelters. * General population * - shelter for those in need but does not provide assistance for people with special needs. * S * pecial needs * - * for people who are medically fragile, may require continuous oxygen or air conditioning, or who can’t take care of their medical oversight needs, but who are not sufficiently ill to allow admission to a hospital or other health care facility. * Most people with disabilities will not be eligible to stay in a special needs shelter * . Each county emergency management office determines who will be eligible for its special needs shelters. Please contact your county’s emergency management office, and complete and submit a special needs shelter application. That office will review your application and tell you if you are eligible, or if you should plan on going to a general population shelter. Again, if you decide to evacuate your home: * Take your emergency kit with you (see page * XX * ) * . * Turn off water and electricity at the main valve, breakers * or fuses. * T * urn off propane gas tanks that serve individual appliances like a stove or grill. Do not turn off natural gas unless local officials advise to do so. * Follow the travel routes suggested and bring a map in * case they are unfamiliar to you. * If you don’t drive, determine alternative methods of * transportation and make contact with your transportation provider (family, friend, public service * , etc. * ). Help Children Cope with Disasters During a disaster, your family may have to leave your home and daily routine. Remind children that your families’ emergency plan will address most incidents. As an adult, you’ll need to cope with the disaster in a way that will help children avoid developing a permanent sense of loss. How you react to an emergency gives them clues on how to act. If you seem overcome with a sense of loss, a child may feel losses more strongly. Children’s fears may also stem from their imagination and you should take these feelings seriously. When talking with your child: * Pr * esent a realistic * picture that is both honest and manageable * Monitor media exposure * ; y * our child should not see or hear * too many stories about the disaster * Teach your child what to do in an emergency * . * In an age-appropriate way, t * hey should learn to: * c * all for help * c * all a family member or trusted friend of the family * d * ecide to take shelter or leave the home. Learn More about Services in Your Community Online Resources There are many online resources that provide more information on disaster preparedness. If you do not have computer access at home, you may visit your local public library to do more research. These online resources include: * Florida Emergency Management Community: * www.floridadisaster.org * Federal Emergency Management Agency: * www.fema.gov * Red Cross: * www.redcross.org * and * www.prepare.org * National Organization on Disability: * www.nod.org/emergency * The National Center on Emergency Planning for People with Disabilities: * www.disabilitypreparedness.org One of the best guides on how people with disabilities should prepare for disasters was developed by the American Red Cross and is available for free at the following website: http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/ beprepared/disability.pdf The Americans with Disabilities Working Group’s Clearinghouse on Disability Information is another resource to call to answer disaster preparedness questions. Its phone number is 1-877-ADA-4YOU or 1-877-232-4968. Florida Centers for Independent Living (CIL) are committed to assisting those with disabilities with planning for emergencies. If you need assistance with preparing, call 1-866-575-6004 or 1-877-822-1993 to connect to your local CIL. Special Needs Shelter Registries Alachua (362) 264-6500 Baker (904) 259-6111 Bay (850) 784-4000 Bradford (904) 966-6336 Brevard (321) 637-6670 Broward (954) 537-2888 or TDD line, (954) 537-2882 Calhoun (850) 674-8075 Charlotte (941) 505-4620 Citrus (352) 746-6555 Clay (904) 284-7703 Collier (239) 774-8444 Columbia (386) 758-1125 DeSoto (863) 993-4831 Dixie (352) 498-1240 Duval (904) 630-2472 Escambia (850) 595-3311 or (850) 471-6400 Flagler (386) 437-7381 or (386) 437-7382 Franklin (850) 653-8977 Gadsden (850) 875-8642 Gilchrist (352) 463-3134 Glades (863) 946-6020 Gulf (850) 229-9111 Hamilton (386) 792-6647 Hardee (863) 773-6373 Hendry (863) 612-4700 Hernando (352) 754-4083 Highlands (863) 385-1112 Hillsborough (813) 307-8015 ext. 6006 Holmes (850) 547-1112 Indian River (772) 567-2154 Jackson (850) 482-5028 Jefferson (850) 342-0211 Lafayette (386) 294-1950 Lake (352) 343-9420 Lee (239) 477-3600 Leon (850) 488-5921 Levy (352) 486-5213 Liberty (850) 643-2339 Madison (850) 973-3698 Manatee (941) 749-3022 Marion (352) 622-3205 Martin (772) 287-1652 Miami-Dade (305) 513-7700 or 311 Monroe (305) 292-4591 Nassau (904) 548-4980 Okaloosa (850) 651-7560 Okeechobee (863) 462-5776 Orange (407) 650-4047 or (407) 836-3111 Osceola (407) 343-7000 Palm Beach (561) 712-6400 Pasco (727) 847-8959 or TDD line, (352) 521-5137 Pinellas (727) 464-3800 Polk (863) 534-5600 Putnam (386) 329-0379 Santa Rosa (850) 983-5360 Sarasota (941) 951-5283 or (941) 861-5000 Seminole (407) 665-5102 St. Johns (904) 824-5550 St. Lucie (772) 461-5201 or (772) 462-1770 Sumter (352) 569-6000 Suwannee (386) 364-3405 Taylor (850) 838-3575 Union (386) 496-4300 Volusia: Daytona Beach area (386) 258-4088 West Volusia area (386) 736-5980 Southeast Volusia area (386) 423-3395 Wakulla (850) 926-0861 Walton (850) 892-8066 Washington (850) 638-6203 County Health Departments Alachua County 224 S.E. 24th St. Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 334-7900 FAX (352) 955-6428 Baker County 480 W. Lowder St. Macclenny, FL 32063 (904) 259-6291, ext. 2230 FAX (904) 259-1950 Bay County 597 W. 11th St. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 872-4720, ext. 1369 FAX (850) 872-7626 Bradford County 1801 N. Temple Ave. Starke, FL 32091 (904) 964-7732 FAX (904) 964-3024 Brevard County 2575 N. Courtenay Pky Merritt Island, FL 32953 (321) 454-7101 FAX (321) 454-7128 Broward County 780 S.W. 24th St. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315 (954) 467-4700 FAX (954) 760-7798 Calhoun County 19611 S.R. 20 West Blountstown, FL 32424 (850) 674-5645 FAX (850) 674-5420 Charlotte County 514 E. Grace St. Punta Gorda, FL 33950 (941) 639-1181 FAX (941) 639-1458 Citrus County 3700 W. Sovereign Path Lecanto, FL 34461 (352) 527-0068, ext. 261 FAX (352) 620-7565 Clay County 301 S. West St. Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (904) 269-6341 FAX (904) 269-6304 Collier County 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, Bldg. H 34112 Naples, FL 34106-0429 (239) 774-8205 FAX (239) 530-5387 Columbia County 217 N.E. Franklin St. Lake City, FL 32055 (386) 758-1068 FAX (386) 758-3900 DeSoto County 34 South Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, FL 34266 (863) 993-4601 FAX (863) 993-4606 Dixie County 149 N.E. 241st St. Cross City, FL 32628 (352) 498-1360 FAX (352) 498-1363 Duval County 515 W. 6th St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 630-3330 FAX (904) 632-5338 Escambia County 1295 W. Fairfield Dr. Pensacola, FL 32501 (850) 595-6500 FAX (850) 595-6745 Flagler County 301 S. Lemon St. Bunnell, FL 32110 (386) 437-7350 FAX (386) 437-8207 Franklin County 139 12th St. Apalachicola, FL 32320 (850) 653-2111 FAX (850) 653-9896 Gadsden County 278 LaSalle LeFall Dr. Quincy, FL 32353 (850) 875-7200, ext. 325 FAX (850) 627-9134 Gilchrist County 119 N.E. 1st St. Trenton, FL 32693 (352) 463-3120 FAX 352-463-3425 Glades County 998 Hwy. 27 Moore Haven, FL 33471 (863) 946-0707 FAX (863) 946-3097 Gulf County 2475 Garrison Ave. Port St. Joe, FL 32456 (850) 227-1276 FAX (850) 227-1766 Hamilton County 209 S.E. Central Ave. Jasper, FL 32052 (386) 792-1414 FAX (386) 792-2352 Hardee County 115 K D Revell Rd. Wauchula, FL 33873-2051 (863) 773-4161 FAX (863) 773-0978 Hendry County 1140 Pratt Blvd. LaBelle, FL 33975-0070 (863) 674-4056, ext. 108 FAX (863) 674-4605 Hernando County 300 South Main St. Brooksville, FL 34601 (354) 540-6800 FAX (352) 754-4132 Highlands County 7205 S. George Blvd. Sebring, FL 33875 (863) 386-6040, ext. 215 FAX (863) 386-6048 Hillsborough County 1105 East Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, Fl 33604 (813) 307-8000 FAX (813) 903-3363 or (813) 903-3370 Holmes County 603 Scenic Circle Bonifay, FL 32425 (850) 547-8500 FAX (850) 547-8515 Indian River County 1900 27th St. Vero Beach, FL 32960 (772) 794-7400 FAX (772) 794-7453 Jackson County 3045 4th St. Marianna, FL 32447 (850) 526-2412 FAX (850) 718-0383 Jefferson County 1255 W. Washington St. Monticello, FL 32344 (850) 342-0170 FAX (850) 342-0257 Lafayette County 140 S.W. Virginia Circle Mayo, FL 32066-1806 (386) 294-1321 FAX (386) 294-2817 Lake County 16140 U.S. Hwy. 441 Eustis, FL 32726 (352) 589-6424 FAX (352) 589-6492 Lake County Satellite 835 7th St. Bldg. B, Ste 4 Clermont, FL 34711 (352) 394-4399, ext. 113 Lee County 3920 Michigan Ave. Ft. Meyers, FL 33916 (239) 332-9572 FAX (239) 332-9567 Leon County 2965 Municipal Way Tallahassee, FL 32316 (850) 922-6377 FAX (850) 487-9811 Levy County 66 W. Main St. Bronson, FL 32621 (352) 486-5300 FAX (352) 486-5307 Liberty County 12832 North Central Ave. Bristol, FL 32321 (850) 643-2415 FAX (850) 643-5689 Madison County 800 3rd St. Madison, FL 32340 (850) 973-5000 FAX (850) 973-5007 Manatee County 410 6th Ave. E. Bradenton, FL 34208-1968 (941) 748-0747, ext. 1222 FAX (941) 714-7282 Marion County 1801 S.E. 32nd Ave. Ocala, FL 34478 (352) 629-0137 FAX (352) 694-1613 Martin County 3441 SE Willoughby Blvd. Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 221-4002 FAX (772) 221-4990 Miami-Dade County 8175 N.W. 12th St. Suite 300 Miami, Florida 33126 (305) 324-2400 FAX (786) 336-1297 Monroe County 1100 Simonton St. Key West, FL 33041-6193 (305) 293-7500 FAX (305) 292-6872 Nassau County 30 South 4th St. Fernandina Beach, FL 32035-0517 (904) 548-1800 FAX (904) 277-7286 Okaloosa County 221 Hospital Drive, N.E. Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548 (850) 833-9245 FAX (850) 833-9252 Okeechobee County 1728 N.W. 9th Ave. Okeechobee, FL 34973 (863) 462-5804 FAX (863) 462-5790 Orange County 6101 Lake Ellenor Dr. Orlando, FL 32809 (407) 858-1400 FAX (407) 858-5514 East Orlando Satellite Office 12050 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32826 (407) 249-6232, ext. 249 Osceola County 1875 Boggy Creek Rd. Kissimmee, FL 34745 (407) 343-2000 FAX (407) 343-2002 Palm Beach County 826 Evernia St. West Palm Beach, FL 33402 (561) 840-4500 FAX (561) 355-3035 Pasco County 13941 15th St., Room 212 Dade City, FL 33525-4010 (352) 521-1450 FAX (352) 521-1386 New Port Richey Satellite Office 10841 Little Rd. New Port Richey, FL 34654 (727) 861-5250, ext. 151 Pinellas County 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 820-4155 Polk County 1290 Golfview Ave. Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 519-7900, ext. 1051 FAX (863) 519-7587 Putnam County 2801 Kennedy St. Palatka, FL 32177 (386) 326-3274 FAX (386) 326-3351 Santa Rosa County 5527 Stewart St. Milton, FL 32572-0929 (850) 983-5200 FAX (850) 983-5215 Sarasota County 2200 Ringling Blvd Sarasota, FL  34237 (941) 861-2810 FAX (941) 861-2584 Venice Satellite Office 7810 S. Tamiami Trail Unit A-5 Venice, FL 34293 (941) 861-3528 Seminole County 400 West Airport Blvd. Sanford, FL 32773-5496 (407) 665-3000 FAX (407) 665-3385 St. Johns County 1955 U.S. 1 South, Suite 100 St. Augustine, FL 32086 (904) 825-5055 FAX (904) 823-4062 St. Lucie County 5150 N.W. Milner Rd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34983 (772) 462-3800 FAX (772) 873-4941 Sumter County 415 E. Noble Ave. Bushnell, FL 33513 (352) 793-6979, ext. 301 FAX (352) 568-0930 Wildwood Satellite Office 104 Rutland St. Wildwood, FL 34785 (352) 330-1313, ext. 245 FAX (352) 568-0930 Suwannee County 915 Nobles Ferry Rd. Live Oak, FL 32060 (386) 362-2708 FAX (386) 362-6301 Taylor County 1215 Peacock Avenue Perry, FL 32347 (850) 584-5087, ext. 174 FAX (850) 584-8653 Union County 495 East Main St. Lake Butler, FL 32054 (386) 496-3211 FAX (386) 496-1599 Volusia County 1845 Holsonback Dr. Daytona Beach, FL 32120 (386) 736-5579 FAX (386) 736-5433 Wakulla County 48 Oak St. Crawfordville, FL 32327 (850) 926-2558 FAX (850) 926-1938 Walton County 475 State Hwy. 83 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 (850) 892-8015 FAX (850) 892-8024 Washington County 1338 South Blvd. Chipley, FL 32428 (850) 638-6240 FAX (850) 638-6244  Disaster contact information Florida Emergency Information Line: 800-342-3557 FEMA Registration, first step for disaster assistance: 800-621-3362 or 800-621-FEMA FEMA, TTY for hearing impaired: 800-462-7585 FEMA Fraud and Abuse Hotline (Department of Homeland Security): 800-323-8603 American Red Cross—food, shelter, financial assistance: 866-438-4636 To volunteer and donate: 866-435-7669 Salvation Army: 800-725-2769 Hunger Hotline, Florida Association for Community Actions: 800-329-3663 America’s Second Harvest (food) 800-771-2303 Florida Volunteer and Donations Hotline 800-354-3571 Project HOPE, crisis counseling (Florida Department of Children and Families): 866-518-1825 Disaster Food Stamp Hotline (Florida Department of Children and Families): 800-342-9274 Florida Department of Financial Services, claims problems: 800-227-8676 or 800-22-STORM Price Gouging Hotline (Florida State Attorney General): 800-646-0444 Price Gouging Hotline (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services): 800-435-7352 Florida Abuse Hotline: 800-962-2873 or 1-800-96ABUSE U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs, information and referral: 800-827-1000 Florida Child Care, resource and referral: 888-352-4453