Storm Ready
In Florida, a multi-day power outage is a medical event for anyone who depends on oxygen, a powered bed, or refrigerated medicine. Plan before June 1.
What the Storm Ready Audit covers
- An inventory of every power-dependent device and how long each can run on battery
- Backup power options, and which ones need a licensed electrician
- Medicine storage when the refrigerator is off
- Heat: keeping cool safely without air conditioning
- Evacuation logistics, including mobility, transport, and who goes where
- A written household plan the whole family can follow
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. The best time to plan is April and May.
Free Storm Ready checklist
Use this to get started on your own. Print it and keep it by the phone.
Before the season
- List every device that needs power and its battery run time.
- Ask your equipment supplier about backup batteries and an outage plan.
- Ask your pharmacist how to store each medicine if power fails.
- Find your evacuation zone on your county's emergency management website.
- If you depend on electricity for medical equipment, ask your county about its special needs registry.
- Tell your electric utility if you use life-sustaining equipment.
- Keep a written list of medicines, doctors, and equipment settings in a waterproof bag.
When a storm is coming
- Charge every device, spare battery, and phone.
- Fill prescriptions early and gather a two-week supply if you can.
- Decide now: stay, go to family, or go to a shelter. Arrange transport.
- Clear walkways and put lights, shoes, and a walker by the bed.
- Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows.