DOH-Monroe Release: Health Department Open Monday

(Monroe County, FL) – As of 11AM, September 25th, 2022, the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County offices are planned to be open Monday, September 26. Previously scheduled clinic appointments remained canceled. Families, visitors, and businesses are urged to plan for potential effects of Tropical Storm Ian and take simple precautions to help you stay healthy and safe.

Here’s how you can prepare for tropical storms and hurricanes:

  • Determine the risks to your home, property or business;
  • Develop or update an emergency evacuation plan and review the plan carefully with your family;
  • Make sure you have adequate insurance by contacting your insurance company or agent;
  • Assemble a disaster supply kit;
  • Strengthen your home and complete any needed repairs;
  • Identify your trusted sources of information for any severe weather event or hurricane. Credible and timely information is very important to taking the appropriate actions in the event of an emergency; and
  • Complete a written hurricane plan and keep it in a safe, easily accessible location.

Everyone living in Florida should have an emergency preparedness kit that meets your specific needs. Some items you may want to include in your kit are:

  • Water (at least one gallon a day per person);
  • Non-perishable packaged or canned food (enough for at least 3 to 7 days);
  • Infant ready-to-eat formula;
  • Any necessary medication (enough for two weeks);
  • Written instructions for care and medication (including medication dosages, a list of medical devices you use and a list of your doctors);
  • First aid kit;
  • Flashlights with extra batteries;
  • Pet care items (including any pet medications, food, and water); and
  • Other important documents (stored in a waterproof container).

Keep in Mind:

  • Gas-powered generators must never be used indoors, in a garage, or within 20 feet of windows or a window air conditioner
  • Have a battery- powered Carbon Monoxide alarm installed to prevent CO Poisoning
  • Cover your skin; Wear a long-sleeved shirt, lightweight pants, and use insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
  • Drain standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding

If you have a disability or a special need such as a medical condition, it may be beneficial for you to register with your local emergency management office. All emergency management offices maintain a list of people within the community with a disability or a special need so they can be assisted quickly during an emergency.  DOH-Monroe collaborates with local emergency management to provide in-county and out-of-county special needs sheltering services. Those with special medical needs can preregister and get more information at: www.monroecountyem.com/specialneeds.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management offers an interactive online tool to help you develop an emergency plan for yourself, your family or your business. For more information or to create your plan, visit www.floridadisaster.org/getaplan.

The Florida Department of Health’s website also has valuable information that can help you plan so emergency situations: www.floridahealth.gov/emergency.

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