As the saying goes, “seasons change.” They come and go, year after year, but it seems certain seasons pass quicker than others, and others we wish would stick around longer. The Central Florida winter being one, as it is enveloped in a couple of months of holiday celebrations and traditions, coupled with mostly sunny days and cool temperatures. I personally like the Spring season which warms us up, day by day, as we see nature reviving itself after the winter.
In contrast, the annual, dreadful hurricane season evolves year after year, and remains month after month throughout both the summer and the fall. Further, we never know what the weather will bring over those six months.
As writer Frederick A. Ober stated back in 1898 in the Orlando Evening Star, “The hurricane season will not allow itself to be ‘cribbed, cabined, and confined’ within the limits of three short months, and skips along whenever its blithe fancy takes it, having a way of turning up at the most unexpected seasons.”
This comment is amazingly true, even 126 years later.
The bottom line is hurricane season is hard on everyone, especially our seniors and disabled adults. Bracing for the storm, fear gets projected from everywhere — the news media, the grocery store, or while simply filling up our gas tanks. We see it in each other’s faces, as we all fear a worst-case scenario.
What is the preventative course of action come the start of June? The simple answer is to be overly prepared at the beginning of each season.
In the past two years, three hurricanes have struck Florida, including Ian in 2022 that brought flooding rains. With that in mind, the 2024 Florida Hurricane Guide recommends everyone have at least seven days of supplies on hand as a preventative measure. Those supplies should include food (nonperishable items and a non-electric can opener), water (a gallon, per person, per day), medicine, batteries, flashlights, a weather radio, cash, and cell phone chargers. Other items include rain gear such as jackets, hats, umbrellas, and rain boots, along with sturdy shoes. A stocked firstaid kit should also be on hand for those unexpected medical emergencies.
It is important to maintain a list of phone numbers including doctors, banks, and out-of-town contacts. Additional documentation should include insurance cards, medical records (including prescriptions), banking information, credit card numbers, birth certificates and social security cards, at a minimum. Extra sets of car and house keys are also advisable. Other recommended supplies are listed at https://www. floridadisaster.org/planprepare/ hurricane-supply-checklist/.
Each hurricane season, the Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) partners with the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County (DOHOsceola), and the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management for Hurricane Season Shelter Training. This training helps the DOH-Osceola employees, and the OCOA be better prepared to serve the special needs population during this potentially volatile season.
“The partnership between DOH-Osceola, the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management, and OCOA ensures the most vulnerable in our community are cared for during a disaster,” said Vianca McCluskey, administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County.
“To support our planning efforts, those with special needs are encouraged to pre-register now if they have no other sheltering options available. Pre-registering allows our staff to verify that everyone meets those criteria or provide additional options if not eligible,” added McCluskey.
Further, the OCOA campus hosts countywide initiatives to support residents with special needs during a hurricane emergency. If you or someone you know may need specialized clinical care, call (407) 742-9001, or complete the online Special Needs Shelter registration, at snr.flhealthresponse.com, or visit Osceola.org.
With that, let’s all get prepared! And most importantly, once prepared, have a safe, fun, active, and blessed summer season.
