As the Southeastern United States and especially Florida prepare for the impact of Hurricane Irma, there are many resources that can help make the process a little less stressful for residents. Many of our friends and partners provided an array of resources and contact information, which you will find below:
Storm Surge Risk Communication
from Jill Gambill with UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant:
Several months ago, I collaborated with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) to conduct seven focus groups on storm surge risk communication during Hurricane Matthew in Beaufort, SC; Savannah, GA; and Brunswick, GA. Attached are some initial findings, which outline reasons that people may not evacuate, challenges in forecast comprehension, and recommended strategies for messaging and mapping hurricane risks. Also attached is a visualization of how storm surge, rainfall and drainage issues can create complex flood impacts. If you have any questions or would like further information, please visit the Communicating Hazard Information in the Modern Environment (CHIME) website.
Emergency Animal Sheltering and Evacuation Information
From LeiAnna Tucker with FDACS:
We will continue to post new information on www.freshfromflorida.com/animalemergency throughout Hurricane Irma response. Please continue to monitor this website and share with the public.
Mental Health Resources
From Heidi Radunovich, FYCS and EDEN website:
- http://public.eden.lsuagcenter.com/search/Pages/results-rc.aspx?k=mental%20health#k=mental%20health
- The American Psychological Association has some good resources available, including some just for children, here: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/index.aspx
- Also, I worked on this manual for responding to disaster when I worked at the National Rural Behavioral Health Center, and it is available online:
https://phhp-chp.sites.medinfo.ufl.edu/files/2016/07/TriumphOverTragedy.pdf
Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF)
HENTF is a national service organization and federal agency created to protect cultural heritage from damaging effects of natural disasters and other emergencies. Their focus is on the protection and salvaging of documents, family treasures, family valuables and heirlooms. The attached document includes preparation tips from HENTF including protecting family valuables and archives.
Florida Sea Grant Preparation Page
Information including preparing boat, flood insurance, tips for caregivers, food safety, water supply, etc.
From Bay County
Scott Jackson in Bay County shared some social media posts and links that may be helpful to other counties.
Boat Preparation –
https://www.facebook.com/bayifas/posts/1088777931259056
http://bay.ifas.ufl.edu/seagrant/2012/08/23/boat_prep/
https://www.flseagrant.org/news/2011/06/hurricane-boat-prep/
http://www.boatus.com/hurricanes/HurricaneWarning.pdf
Animal-Disease Control
https://www.facebook.com/bayifas/posts/1088770174593165
Example of Emergency Notification Posts encouraging folks to sign-up for apps in their county/city/community that will provide up-to-date information through their local EOC
https://www.facebook.com/bayifas/posts/1088764024593780
Other Helpful Links
Generator Safety – http://public.eden.lsuagcenter.com/search/Pages/results-rc.aspx?k=generator%20safety
Chainsaw Safety – http://public.eden.lsuagcenter.com/search/Pages/results-rc.aspx?k=generator%20safety#k=chainsaw%20safety
Family Emergency Plan – http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fm250
Safe Handling of Food & Water – https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FS/FS13100.pdf
Energy Education Council:
Information on downed power line and flooding safety after a storm – website www.safelectricity.org is an excellent resource:
Downed Power Line safety:
After a storm, limbs & debris may hide an electrical hazard. Treat all downed power lines as if they are energized. http://bit.ly/13SkmM7
Just because power lines are damaged does not mean they are dead. Stay far away, and keep others away from them. http://bit.ly/13SkmM7
Safe Electricity advises everyone to be mindful of the electrical hazards that storms and flooding can leave behind. http://bit.ly/13SkmM7
Flooding safety:
Never turn off power at the breaker box if you have to stand in water to do so. Get more info on flooding safety – http://bit.ly/gQYVuR
Never step into a flooded basement. Water may be in contact with electrical outlets or appliances. More info – http://bit.ly/gQYVuR
AgriSafe Network:
The AgriSafe™ Network, a non-profit international membership organization, represents health and safety professionals who strive to reduce health disparities found among the agricultural community.
Document on farm flood threats: https://agn.memberclicks.net/assets/docs/agrisafe_floodresource.pdf
Webinar on 9/14 re: farm flood threats: https://agn.memberclicks.net/live-webinars
Mental Health Resources for Children after a hurricane:
Parent handout related to children after disasters: http://www.cpeip.fsu.edu/storm/StormresourcesFiles/resourceFile_51.pdf
Two different manuals on working with children after traumatic events: http://www.cpeip.fsu.edu/storm/StormresourcesFiles/resourceFile_59.pdf
http://www.cpeip.fsu.edu/storm/StormresourcesFiles/resourceFile_60.pdf
Parent guide for helping children after a hurricane:
http://www.cpeip.fsu.edu/storm/StormresourcesFiles/resourceFile_64.pdf
Children’s book about being afraid: http://piploproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/OnceIWasVeryVeryScared.web_.4.pdf
Video of a book from LSU to help prepare children for hurricanes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQZhmEqdwhQ
Good resources from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network to help parents and families related to coping with trauma:
http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-types/natural-disasters/hurricanes#tabset-tab-5
Texas Well Owner Network Website:
Press Release on flooded water wells & testing wells after floods: https://today.agrilife.org/2017/09/05/private-water-well-owners-test-well-flood/
Media contact: Angie Lindsey, ablindsey@ufl.edu
