Hurricane season is here, and it just might be a busy season, so it is time to get ready! NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) just released their hurricane report for 2022 and they project about 22 storms with 3-6 becoming major hurricanes, an above average prediction.

Organize yourself now!

Shop ahead of the panic and get your water, food and medications ahead of the crowds. Make sure you have extra batteries, and an emergency weather radio. A few hours of preparations could save you from many problems. Take a few minutes to check out the links below to educate yourself on the critical items to have on hand.

• The 2022 Florida Department of Elder Affairs Disaster Resource Guide is an excellent source of information for anyone, no matter what your age! At 16 pages, you don’t want to print it yourself., but they will mail you a free copy. As a resource guide it is the best, including all state and federal emergency phone numbers, Elder Helpline Directory, and every Area Agency on Aging office in Florida. Click here for DOEA Guide dated May 2021 (NO new update yet) 
• In addition, the local Alachua County Alert Notification System is also very helpful and will keep you informed about any local emergency issues, including weather/hurricane concerns. You can register here for any alerts. 
• Florida also has an excellent website for disaster preparedness with a very complete checklist of important items.

If you would like a call from the UCG Emergency Volunteer Phone Tree about any hurricane warnings issued for the Gainesville area, please email Shanna at shannas@ucgainesville.org so she can add your name to the list.

Elise Lee

Co-Chair, Emergency Volunteer Phone Tree