It’s important that you know what to do when a hurricane is on its way. The goal is to stay as prepared as possible to keep yourself and your family safe. Hurricane preparedness means having your supplies and potential evacuation plan handy. You don’t want to panic at the last minute.
Every person has their own needs and challenges that must be thought of before the hurricane hits. At Groups, we want to ensure that all our members, and their loved ones, have the supplies, support, and resources they need to avoid potential roadblocks for their opioid use disorder recovery.
6 hurricane preparedness tips to remember as a Florida resident in recovery
The stress and worry due to an approaching hurricane are expected. However, being prepared is always the best way to approach hurricane season. When you have the additional layer of being in recovery, it’s important that you cover all your bases. You want to reduce uncertainty and unnecessary stress about how you’ll be impacted.
We’re here with a list of tips that can help you be as ready as possible for a hurricane in Florida while still keeping your recovery a priority.
- Have enough medication for at least two weeks — When it comes to maintaining your recovery during stressful times, checking your medication should be at the top of your to-do list. You should have enough of your Suboxone, and any other medications, to last at least two weeks. You don’t want to risk running out while the pharmacies are closed. Call your counselor or office manager immediately if you need more. You can also call them if you have any medication questions.
- Take advantage of early pickup — If the next refill of your prescription falls within the week of the hurricane, be sure that you call your pharmacy to ask about picking it up early. The good news is that, according to section 252.358, Florida Statutes, you can pick up early prescription refills if the governor issues an executive order declaring a state of emergency. This mandate will stay in effect until the executive order expires or has been canceled.
- Maintain your treatment — It may feel like your world is at a standstill until the hurricane is over. High stress from potential displacement, property damage, or personal safety fears may also trigger cravings. However, your treatment doesn’t stop. Your sessions at Groups will continue as usual until you hear otherwise. You will be notified about any cancellations as the storm gets closer. If you have questions or concerns about your treatment during the hurricane, don’t hesitate to call your counselor, office manager, or the 24/7 Groups support number.
- Learn about food and water safety — Having stocks of water and nonperishable food are essentials for every hurricane preparedness kit. However, not every canned food or bottle of water is safe, especially if you’ve had your supplies for a while. For example, dented cans can let in harmful bacteria. Refer to the CDC’s helpful resources about water safety and food facts. You want to be sure that you’re taking the right precautions before diving into the essential supplies. Safe, dry, and temperature-controlled storage is important in hurricane-prone areas. High heat, humidity, or water exposure can damage Suboxone strips/tablets.
- Have your checklist — When it comes to hurricane preparedness, don’t wait until everyone is racing to the store shelves. Hurricane season is from June to November every year. Gather your supplies in the offseason and mark it all off a checklist at the end of May. Here’s an extensive checklist prepared by the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
- Know your evacuation zone and shelter locations — As soon as a hurricane starts approaching Florida, local, and state government officials will announce which areas should evacuate. Know what evacuation zone your home is located in and potential areas you can get to. For many people, a shelter is the best option. Go to this link to learn where your closest shelter locations are. You can also see which shelters can take in people with special needs or pets. When you’re told to evacuate, don’t hesitate. If you face significant barriers to evacuation, such as disability or finances, assistance and free rides are often available.
Here are some sites and phone numbers that can help you before, during, and after a hurricane:
- (888) 858-1723 — 24/7 Groups support if your counselor or office manager isn’t available
- 1-800-342-3557 — State Assistance Information Line
- DisasterAssistance.gov
- Red Cross
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- FloridaDisaster.org
If you need immediate assistance, call 911.
While preparing for a hurricane in Florida, be sure to do the following:
- Stay up to date.
- Put your family’s safety first.
- Don’t procrastinate.
Groups is here to help you navigate any challenges with your recovery that may develop from the natural disaster.
You can always give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information or to begin your recovery. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your state, you can locate other treatment options here.
