Hurricane Preparedness

Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare offers one of the most comprehensive hurricane preparedness plans to ensure our patients and our staff who care for them are safe before, during and after a storm. We have contracts with vendors from around the state and nation to provide support from on-site security to generators and food for our patients and staff. Transfer processes and plans with our network of hospitals across the country also exist should patients need to be relocated.

As an acute care hospital, our resources are committed to providing for our patients and staff who will remain here to care for them during the duration of the storm. Please note we are not a shelter and are not equipped to serve as a shelter during a storm.

If you are expecting

Any pregnant woman who is two weeks from her due date (38 weeks gestation) or is considered high-risk may be asked to stay at the hospital in the event of a hurricane. If your physician determines that it is necessary for you to be in the hospital, arrive no later than four hours before landfall.

If you receive home health care and are homebound

If you are a homebound patient or dependent on any medical device that requires electricity, please contact your physician to ask for his or her recommendation.

If you are receiving home health services, please make sure your home health provider has developed a special hurricane plan for you.

If you require oxygen, check with your supplier about emergency plans.

Should you evacuate, please remember to take with you:

Medications
Written care instructions
Special equipment
Bedding

If you have special needs

If you are dependent on life support systems or on any medical device which requires electricity, you will need to make plans to relocate early for a hurricane. Power may be off for some time before, during and after a storm.

How should I prepare for a hurricane

Have your hurricane emergency plan up to date

Hurricane season is upon us once again, with peak season between mid-August to late October. These strong tropical storms can leave a wide wake of destruction in their path. Being prepared is your best defense.

Developing a plan

Identify where you will go if you need to evacuate - i.e., relative, friend, public shelter, etc.
Prepare your hurricane supplies-refer to the list provided for guidance on supplies.
Stay informed of the latest updates and evacuation orders.
Prepare a detailed list of information about the specifics of your medication regime.
Consult your physician and medical supply vendors to make sure you are adequately prepared for a hurricane.
Contact your local emergency information management office if you have any concerns.
Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to identify your disability and/or medical condition.

Emergency supply checklist

You should stock your home with supplies that may be needed during the emergency period. At a minimum, these supplies should include:

Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food- enough for at least 3 to 7 days; non-perishable packaged or canned food and beverages, snack foods, juice, foods for infants or those with strict diets
Non-electric can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, plastic cups
Grill, cooking tools, fuel, charcoal
Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, etc.
Clothing – seasonal/rain gear/sturdy shoes or boots
First Aid Kit, prescriptions, medications, sun screen, aloe and bug spray
Special items for babies, elders, persons with disabilities
Toiletries – hygiene items and sanitation wipes
Flashlights and batteries – do not use candles
Extra house and car keys, office keys and name badge
Cash – banks/ATMs may not be available after the storm
Radio- battery operated or hand cranked radio, NOAA weather radio
Toys, books, games
Important documents in a waterproof container – include insurance cards, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security Cards, birth and marriage certificates, etc.
Document all valuables
Tools – keep a set with you during the storm
Vehicle – keep your motor vehicle fuel tanks filled
Pet care items – pet food and water, proper identification, medical records, a carrier or cage, muzzle and leash, medications
List of important numbers – including your country emergency management office, evacuations sites, doctors, bank, area schools, veterinarian, etc.

Especially for seniors

Stock up on food, water and supplies before the hurricane season starts.
Have at least a two-week supply of your medications.
Stay aware of weather conditions.
Make plans in advance, whether you need to evacuate if you decide to stay.
If you need to evacuate, team up with a partner, neighbor or relative and plan your evacuation together.
Make plans in advance to stay with friends or relatives living on higher ground.

The aftermath: how to recover from a hurricane

After your home has been hit by a hurricane, the recovery process can be extensive, from returning home from an evacuation to assessing and rebuilding from its damages. Use these tips to get you and your family back on your feet.

To some extent, hurricanes can be tracked, planned for, stocked up for and braced for. But unfortunately, no matter how prepared you may be, a relentless storm system can overtake everything in its path. If you have been affected by a hurricane, the aftermath of clean up and transitioning into a 'new normal' can be the hardest part.

Returning home

If you evacuated, the first step of the aftermath is to listen to local news outlets to find out when it is safe to return to your home. Do not return until the storm has completely passed and local officials have given your neighborhood the go-ahead.

Even after the storm has passed, make sure you are aware of any extended rainfall or subsequent flooding in your area, due to the outer bands of the storm system, the storm surge, or rivers or lakes flooding.

Safety tips for hurricane clean-up

Once you get home, you might have a lot of work to do to get your house back in good shape. Be sure to put safety first:

Stay away from loose or dangling power lines.
Avoid drinking or using tap water until you are sure it has not been contaminated.
Don't eat food from your refrigerator if its temperature has risen above 40° F for two hours or longer.
Stay out of any building that is surrounded with water.
Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
Be on the lookout for loose tree branches, parts of buildings or other types of debris when you are outside.
Drive only when absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.

Facing the future after a natural disaster

Take as many photos of any damages done to your home or property as possible for insurance purposes. If you do have to rebuild any part of your house, it may be worthwhile to look into storm-proofing your home for future tropical storms or hurricanes, by installing hurricane shutters, a strengthened roof, strengthened garage doors or cleaning up nearby trees that could fall over in strong winds.

Rebuilding - both literally and emotionally - will take time. Keep your spirits up with these tips:

Keep short-term and long-term goals in mind. For example, if your roof has been damaged, put a tarp over your roof first and then begin thinking about a long-term fix.
Don't take on larger rebuilding projects than you have the knowledge and physical capability to do safely.
Don't be afraid to ask someone for help, or hire a professional.
Always keep safety first. Don't try to begin rebuilding before the storm has passed and don't be alarmed if your local hardware store is overcrowded or low on supplies, as it is likely that lots of your neighbors are also patching up hurricane damages.
Remember that emotional healing takes time - if you have lost something or someone, counseling could be a good option for you and/or your family.

While you are recovering from a storm, remember that the process will be gradual and if damage has been widespread, be patient with things like power restoration. Be sure to keep yours and your family's health a priority during this trying time.