Disaster Planning For People With Long-Term Disabilities In Florida
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has wreaked havoc along the Gulf Coast. Many residents were still cleaning up from Hurricane Helene when Milton tore through the area. People throughout Florida are struggling in the aftermath, especially those with long-term disabilities.
Limited mobility or other impairments, lapses in medications, and lack of adequate funds from being out of work make recovery efforts far more complex. As cities throughout the Sunshine State struggle with recovery efforts, our Orlando long-term disability lawyer offers tips on disaster planning to help you prepare and protect yourself.
Natural Disasters Devastating For People With Florida Long-Term Disabilities
Florida residents have grown accustomed to potentially dangerous storms, but the damage caused by the 2024 hurricane season still comes as a shock. Residents along the Gulf were still recovering from Hurricane Helene (a CAT4 storm) in late September when Milton, a CAT3 hurricane, cut a wide swath throughout the state just weeks later.
Locally, ABC News reports that airports, amusement parks, and other services in Orlando resumed regular operations on Friday, October 11, 2024. However, some central Florida communities still deal extensive damage from flooding and tornadoes.
If you are one of the estimated 3.5 million people in Florida who suffer long-term disabilities in Florida, natural disasters are even more difficult to deal with. Problems to prepare for include:
- Mandatory evacuations;
- Heavy traffic leaving town;
- Fuel shortage;
- Empty shelves in local grocery stores as people stock up on supplies;
- Interruptions in emergency services, both during storms and the immediate aftermath;
- Impassable roads and dangerous debris;
- Storm-related damage that prevents you from remaining in your home.
Planning For Disaster When You Suffer Long-Term Disabilities In Florida
Natural disasters can happen any time, as residents of the Sunshine State know all too well. The best time to prepare for an emergency is well before it happens.
One of the first steps recommended by the Florida Division of Emergency Services is a thorough self-assessment. Appraise how your condition could impact your ability to weather a storm and identify where you may need help. Learn about common hazards, form connections in the local community, and never underestimate potential risks. Additional tips to help keep you safe include:
- Create an emergency survival kit, complete with a transistor radio, bottled water, snacks, and other supplies;
- Keep a list of emergency numbers and personal contacts in your wallet;
- Wearing a medical alert necklace or bracelet, warning others of your condition;
- Keep medications stocked and store medical records and other vital documents in a waterproof file;
- If you rely on oxygen, dialysis, or other life-sustaining treatments, scout out multiple providers throughout the area.
To Get The Benefits You Are Entitled To, Contact Our Experienced Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer Today
Long-term disability benefits, available through employers or the Social Security Administration, provide needed financial support when disaster strikes. To get the total amount in your claim, contact Farrell Disability Law. Our Florida long-term disability lawyer serves clients throughout the Orlando and Jacksonville areas. Request a consultation today.
Sources:
abcnews.go.com/US/airports-milton-reopen-tampa-orlando-sarasota-florida/story?id=114689427
floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/people-with-disabilities/disability-and-health-program/DHP2021DataReport.pdf
floridadisaster.org/planprepare/disability/personal-and-family-plans/
