Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition
Hurricane Readiness
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through December 1.
But please keep in mind, storms can form during the “off season." With 40% of U.S. hurricane landfalls happening in Florida, hurricane season can be very stressful for Keys residents, and especially so for expectant parents and families with young children. To stay safe and be prepared, families are encouraged to start getting ready before a storm approaches.
Monroe County residents may now obtain one sticker for each registered vehicle by providing proof of residency at a Monroe County Tax Collector’s office. Proof of residency includes a Florida Driver’s License and vehicle registration, or a property bill with an out-of-county vehicle registration for out-of-county residents who own a home in Monroe County. These stickers make reentry easier if checkpoints are required to assure safe re-entry into the Keys following a destructive storm that causes a public safety issue. There are no plans to enact a checkpoint for COVID-19.
Make a Checklist, Family Plan, & Emergency Kit
It is important for families to have a family plan as well as an emergency kit with supplies and necessary items. You may not have time to gather items and formulate a plan with an impending storm so begin slowly preparing your plan and gathering items now.
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The first step is to develop and practice your family’s emergency plan. Some things to consider are: Knowing your home’s specific risks
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Preparing several evacuation routes and shelter options for your family
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Making an emergency kit with ample supplies for each person and pet; including items such as, medications, diapers, wipes, formula, and water
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Gathering items to secure your home
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Securing items outside your home that could take flight
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Being sure all family members know whom to call if separated, and letting family or friends in other locations know your storm plans
If you'd like more information on what you should be bringing in case of an evacuation and/or emergency, please click here.
Consider an Alternative Birth Plan
Pregnant women should also include an alternative birth plan in emergency preparations, in case of evacuation. During major storms, Monroe County officials may issue a mandatory or voluntary evacuation. Many local services such as emergency response and hospitals are closed or limited during evacuations, so pregnant women are encouraged to heed orders to evacuate. An alternative birth plan should take into account finding a hospital in a safe location away from the storm’s path, locating a place for herself and her family to stay near the hospital and notifying her local doctor of her hurricane plans.
For the health of their unborn baby and themselves, pregnant women should continue healthy habits such as exercising, reducing stress, taking prenatal vitamins, nutritious eating and following up on their prenatal care during and after a storm.
Special Needs Registry
If needed, pregnant women or families with children that have special needs may also register with the Monroe County Special Needs Registry for evacuation transportation to the Special Needs Shelter. Depending on the storm, this shelter may be located in or out of the county. For a Category 1 storm and below, the Special Needs Shelter will be set up within Monroe County at the Gato Building in Key West and/or the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo. For larger category storms with a mandatory evacuation, a Special Needs shelter will be opened on the mainland at Florida International University in Miami. Residents who are evacuated to a Special Needs Shelter are returned to their home once the “all clear” has been given and their area has been cleared for available power and water as well as an exterior verification for damage to the residence.
Click here for more information.
Emergency Supply Kit
Preparing for a storm doesn’t have to be difficult. However, in times of stress, basic necessities can be forgotten so start slowly stock-piling and/or identifying necessary items before a storm approaches.
First, prepare a standard hurricane preparation list of items needed for your home (such as shutters, sandbags, coolers, and flashlights) and each family member and pet (food, water, medication, clothing and personal items). This will help ensure you have everything you need while you are away from home.
Keeping babies and children safe and happy during and after a storm should also be an important priority. If you choose to stay at home during a storm, be aware of child hazards such as heavy, sharp hurricane shutters, downed power lines and flooded streets, filled bathtubs as a drowning risk, and be sure to store gas and operate generators away from children.
Children are affected by changes in mood and environment due to disasters just as much as adults, causing fear, anxiety, and stress that may last long after the initial impact. That’s why parents should do everything they can to minimize the effect. Experts suggest parents limit a child’s exposure to media coverage of the storm, as well as listening to and comforting your child to ease their fears, and establishing routines and norms even if away from home. If evacuated, pack your child’s favorite things such as blankets, dolls or music to comfort her and include games or toys to help pass the time.