Critical Needs:

The disabled community and individuals under medical care are at a high risk during an emergency. These individuals must take additional precautions and pay special attention to emergency planning and how a disability or condition may affect them in a disaster. Some important things to consider include warnings, evacuation, sheltering, loss of public utilities (water, electricity, telephone, cable television) and alternatives to support needs in an emergency situation. They should also determine what needs have to be addressed with health care providers or special in-home medical services and transportation services, keeping in mind that these services may be disrupted. Public shelters can only provide limited resource support and only basic first aid needs.

 It is also very important for WFEC members who rely on vital medical equipment or other critical life-saving devices to understand that WFEC does not guarantee uninterrupted service or assign a priority status to members who are on the Medically Essential Service list. These individuals should make arrangements for relocation or have an auxiliary power source or backup equipment available. WFEC offers a variety of sizes and types of generators with warranty coverage and optional professional installation. If you have questions or would like more information on Medically Essential Service, contact WFEC at (800) 342-7400.

 For more information visit  www.floridadisaster.org/family  or www.myflorida.com