Disaster-Related Services
MAKING A DIFFERENCE WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES
Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services, such as water, gas, electricity, or telephones, were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.
How 2-1-1 Broward Can Help:
Before and during the storm, 2-1-1 Broward will:
• collect updates from community providers; services expected to be available, alternate contact numbers and sites of operation.
• assist callers to develop a plan including locations of emergency shelters, necessary supplies, animal shelters, etc.
• relocate 2-1-1 Broward counselors to Broward County’s Emergency Operation Center to respond to 2-1-1 calls and assist with calls to the County line.
After the storm, 2-1-1 Broward will:
• maintain a resource database of services and goods available.
• assist callers with needs, such as medical supplies, loss of power
• assist local providers who cannot manage the volume of calls
• act as a clearinghouse for other programs and services
You and the other members of your household could be separated during a disaster. Having a plan will help you find each other. Families can and do cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team.
CREATING A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN
A Family Disaster Plan is a personalized action plan that lets each member of a household know what to do in particular disaster situations and how to be prepared in advance. A functional Family Disaster Plan helps alleviate fears about potential disasters, makes actual disaster situations less stressful, and saves precious time in the face of disasters. Creating a plan:
- meet with your family to discuss the types of disasters that may happen and what to do in each case.
- pick the place you will meet in each type of disaster
- ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact" - after a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. All family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.
- discuss what to do in case of an evacuation.
- Plan how to take care of your pets or disabled family members.
DISASTER SUPPLIES
Some items to have on hand in an easy-to-carry container:
- water – store 1 gallon of water per person per day in plastic containers
- food – store a three day supply of non-perishable food
- first aid supplies – bandaids, sterile gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, etc.
- clothing and bedding
- tools
- emergency supplies - batteries, flashlights, etc. and any special items
For more information, visit other disaster information inks, such as:
American Red Cross Broward County
Florida Office of Emergency Mgmt.
South Florida Water Management
News Links:
Newslink (FL TV and Radio Stations)
If you need more information or to find resources, call 2-1-1 or browse the Community Resource Database.
