2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Preparedness Overview Overview Officially

2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Preparedness Overview

Overview • Officially began: Monday, Jun 1 st, 2020 (18 days) • Officially ends: Monday, November 30, 2020 • Projected to be an average season • Three named storms already this season: • Arthur (May) • Bertha (May) • Cristobal (June)

Lessons Learned (Hurricane Michael) • Storms may rapidly intensify. Plan accordingly. • Communications may failure. Plan for redundancy in communications. • Entry and egress into and out areas may be impaired due to storm debris. • Debris (e. g. trees) caused several deaths during post-storm cleanup activities. • Hospitals and public safety organizations may be immediately unavailable due to storm damage and/or lack of resources.

Additional Concerns • Coronavirus (COVID-19) • Civil Unrest • Increased concern for wildfires

Preparedness Actions • All organizations should ensure that they have up-to-date contact information for their members: • Phone numbers • Addresses • Emergency contacts • Follow FDEM/FEMA guidelines. • Create a Continuity of Operation Plans (COOP) that may be implemented in order to sustain essential functions in the event of an emergency situation.

Supplies • FDEM now recommends a supply capable of lasting each person at least 7 days. • Food & Water: • • Food (Non-perishables, baby food, formula, etc. ) Water (1 gallon person per day) Non-electric can opener Paper plates Napkins Plastic Cups Utensils

Supplies Cont. • General Supplies: • • • Flashlight Weather Radio (battery or hand-crank) Cash Clothing Important documents (kept in a water-proof container) First Aid Equipment • Medications (enough to last at least two weeks)

Supplies Cont. • Special Needs Items (e. g. for infants, children, elderly, or disabled) • Pet care items: • • Food and water Identification Medical records/microchip info Carrier/cage Muzzle and leash Water and food bowls Medications

Supplies Cont. • COVID-19: • Face mask • Disinfectant wipes • Hand sanitizer • Ensure all vehicles are filled with fuel.

Response Actions • Safety is paramount. • DO NOT self-deploy. • You must take care of yourself before others. • Organizations that plan on helping during response/recovery phases should ensure that personnel are trained and/or understand what their responsibilities may be, including how to care for themselves.

Training (FEMA Independent Study) • Recommended • IS-909 – Community Preparedness: Implementing Simple Activities for Everyone • Additional • IS-10. A – Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness • IS-366. a – Planning for the Needs of Children in Disasters • IS-405 – Overview of Mass Care/Emergency Assistance • IS-505 – Religious and Cultural Literacy and Competency in Disaster • IS-520 – Continuity of Operations Planning for Pandemic Influenzas

Resources • Florida Department of Emergency Management: https: //www. floridadisaster. org/planprepare/ • Federal Emergency Management Agency: https: //www. fema. gov/disaster/4339/emergency-preparedness • FEMA Independent Study Courses: https: //training. fema. gov/is/crslist. aspx

Contact Information Erik Lowe eriktlowe@gmail. com Cell: (850) 867 -0174

”Always plan for the fact that no plan ever goes according to plan. ” - Simon Sinek