Hurricane Ian Situation Report #7
This report provides an assessment of the impacts to healthcare and public health due to Hurricane Ian.
Note: Green text indicates new or updated content in this report compared to the previous report.
Healthcare Ready's Posture
Healthcare Ready is ENGAGED for the response to Hurricane Ian. We are tracking potential impacts to healthcare infrastructure and supply chain, sharing information via situation reports, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Our pharmacy operating status map Rx Open is updated daily for pharmacies and dialysis centers in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico.
High-Level Situation Summary
No major updates since 10/5.
As of 10/5, search and rescue crews are continuing primary and secondary searches throughout heavily impacted areas as officials and restoration crews continue to restore power and water, and repair damages to critical infrastructure across Florida. Reopening healthcare facilities, including hospitals and long-term care facilities, continues to be a priority. Restoring healthcare access for low-income and historically medically underserved communities will require ensuring FQHCs and clinics are supported with the appropriate resources for facilities to operate and staff to return to work.
In Florida’s southwest counties, including Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties, where buildings and roadways sustained significant damage, healthcare operations are slowly resuming, with many openings on 10/5 and additional reopenings expected throughout the rest of the week. Many closures are reportedly due to building or infrastructure damages that will require repairs, or staff shortages due to evacuations. Temporary repairs to transportation are ongoing, with significant progress being made to roadways and bridgeways to Pine Island, helping to restore access for emergency vehicles. Sustained impacts, including damage to roadways, and delays to resuming public transportation, may continue to threaten the health of communities with medical conditions who rely on regular access to health professionals, medications, water, or power.
Highlights
- In Florida, there are 25 pharmacy closures reported on rxopen.org as of 2:00pm EST on 10/6.
- As of 10/6, parts of 21 counties are still under boil water advisories.
- Dialysis centers in states impacted by Ian are mapped on rxopen.org. As of 10/6 there are still a total of 6 closed all in Florida (1% of the dialysis facilities in Florida).
- Bonita Springs (1), Cape Coral (3), Fort Myers (2)
- As the power and water restoration situation continues to improve, many healthcare facilities a reopening. Long-term closures may result from structural damage sustained during Ian.
- Many health systems have made their telehealth services available for fee to patients in need of non-emergency medical services.
- GoodRx is offering free telehealth appointments to Florida residents affected by Hurricane Ian through 10/17.
- Location of POD sites distributing food, water, and ice are updated daily at FLGOV.COM.
- Disaster Recovery Centers, staffed by state, federal, and volunteer organizations are open and accessible for individuals seeking recovery information.
- Federal, state, and local agencies are urging citizens to be aware of the possibility of fraud, scams, and cybersecurity threats following Hurricane Ian.
- Power restoration continues to improve across Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.
- Several organizations are offering mental health and emotional support services, including for first responders. See section on “Mental Health.”
- As of 10/5, Governor DeSantis and the Florida Department of Transportation announced the early completion of the emergency road and temporary bridge repairs for Pine Island, making it accessible for emergency vehicles.
Assessment of Healthcare and Logistics Impacts
Emergency Declarations and Measures
- General
- No changes or updates since 10/5.
- On 9/28, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) issued a Regional Emergency Declaration for Alabama, Florida, Georgie, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The order will remain in effect until the end of the emergency, or 10/28.
- Florida
- On 9/24, President Biden approved Florida’s Emergency Declaration and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local response efforts, which was amended on 10/5 to provide additional disaster assistance for another 30 days. President Biden authorized an extension of federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance at 100% of the total eligible costs. On 9/30, FEMA announced that additional Florida counties are able to apply for Individual Assistance.
- On 10/1, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
- On 10/5, Florida State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 22-05, which authorizes out-of-state psychologists, mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists holding a valid, unrestricted, and unencumbered license to provide care, including telehealth.
- On 9/28, the Florida State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 22-004, which authorizes out-of-state professionals in good standing to practice in Florida for 30 days. Professions include physicians, registered nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and others.
- On 9/26, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Declared a Public Health Emergency for Florida. This declaration includes a Waiver or Modification of Requirements under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act (SSA). An 1135 Waiver waives or modifies requirements under the SSA to increase access to care.
- As of 9/24, Florida declared a State of Emergency for the entire state of Florida.
- On 9/24, Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles released Emergency Order 09422 to waive additional registration and hours-of-service requirements for vehicles providing emergency services or supplies in Florida.
- Florida Law, Section 252.358, outlines prescription refills under an Executive Order and allows for early prescription refills.
- South Carolina
- On 9/30, President Biden approved a federal Emergency Declaration for all 46 counties of South Carolina.
- On 9/28, South Carolina declared a State of Emergency, which is set to expire on 10/15.
- North Carolina
- On 9/30, President Biden approved a federal Emergency Declaration for all 100 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
- On 9/28 North Carolina declared a State of Emergency, which will expire on 10/28.
- Georgia
- On 9/29 Georgia declared a State of Emergency, which will expire on 10/28.
- Virginia
- On 9/28 Virginia declared a State of Emergency, which will expire on 10/27.
Critical Infrastructure Impacts
- Power
- Please note, power outages are improving across impacted states by the hour. For the latest updates, please visit https://poweroutage.us/.
- Florida
- Long-term outages may be reported across the state for customers who will not be able to receive power due to damage or flooding. In these cases, electrical systems will need to be inspected by licensed electricians to determine if repairs are needed before power can be restored.
- The greatest outage rates are in Lee, Charlotte, and DeSoto, Counties where nearly 30% of customers are without power. Additionally, Sarasota County is experiencing between 5-10% of customers without power.
- Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) and Lee County Electric Cooperative continue to report the highest number of outages.
- South Carolina
- As of 1:00pm EDT 10/6, about 600 customers are without power in South Carolina.
- North Carolina
- As of 1:00pm EDT 10/6, about 765 customers are without power in North Carolina, a moderate increase since 10/5.
- Virginia
- As of 1:00pm EDT 10/6, approximately 2,200 customers are without power in Virginia, a moderate increase since 10/5. Power providers have noted that customers may be experience multiple outages as restoration crews work to restore services across the state.
- Florida
- Please note, power outages are improving across impacted states by the hour. For the latest updates, please visit https://poweroutage.us/.
- Fuel
- As of 10/4, all ports and terminals are open for fuel and many gas stations have begun receiving shipments. Two residential fueling agencies are now open; one in Dunbar, Fort Myers and one in Arcadia. Cars can get up to 10 gallons per day, and trucks can get up to 50 gallons per day.
- As of 10/6, Port Charlotte and Cape Coral, Florida are still experiencing gas station closures due to power outages or limited fuel supply.
- A mobile, public fueling station also opened in Lee County at the Stars Complex to provide fuel for vehicles and gas cans for generators to impacted residents. Additionally, the FDEM has eight active fuel depots throughout Central and Southwest Florida to ensure first responders have fuel to continue conducting search and rescue operations.
- As of 10/5, Port Charlotte and Cape Coral, Florida are still experiencing significant gas station closures due to power outages or limited fuel supply.
- Those looking for fuel and gas are encouraged to use Gas Buddy, to search for open stations and providers using crowdsourced information.
- Precautions taken prior to Ian’s landfall, such as suspending oil production in the Gulf and removing staff for safety, may have caused short-term downstream impacts to fuel availability. Healthcare Ready continues to closely monitor fuel availability across southwest Florida, and other areas.
- Water
- As of 10/6, parts of 21 counties are still under boil water advisories. Residents are encouraged to reach out to local utility or county emergency contacts for the most up-to-date information.
- As of 10/5, the City of Naples and the City of Arcadia have lifted their boil water notices.
- As of 10/4, the FEMA Daily Ops Brief reports that there still disruptions to water and wastewater services in Lee County. Infrastructure and water assessments are ongoing.
- As of 10/6, the FDEM has identified 27 Points of Distribution (PODs) sites for water and other supplies across 7 counties.
- State officials continue to provide resources (water and diesel) to impacted counties to restore water supply to critical infrastructure, including hospitals.
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are meeting with county officials, noting that work crews are using water trucks to pressurize critical facilities to locate and repair leaks.
- Communications
- No updates since of 10/5.
- Florida
- According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):
- As of 12pm EDT 10/5, FCC reports: 1.9% of cell sites are down. 12 (+5) cell sites are down due to damage, 52 (-42) are due to transport, and 89 (-59) are due to power outages. 181 cell sites are running on back-up power.
- All 911 calls are being answered but some Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) are being rerouted due to power outages.
- As of 10/5, no TV stations are reported as being out of service, 4 FM stations are reported as being out of service, and 2 AM stations are reported as being out of service.
- The (FCC) may grant Special Temporary Authority (STA) to permit immediate or temporary operation of certain radio facilities during emergencies or other urgent conditions, as well as waivers to support emergency communications and service restoration.
- International Bureau grants verbal special Temporary Authority (STA) for two weeks to repair of antennas and other facilities. The purpose of this STA is to allow the provider to operate with facilities that are not covered by their current authorization while they are fixing facilities caused by Hurricane Ian.
- Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau issue a verbal waiver for Florida public safety officials to use 700 – 800 MHz interoperability channels.
- Wireless Telecommunications Bureau grants the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) an emergency request for a temporary waiver of Section 97.307(f) of the Commission’s Rules.
- Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau extend licensing and regulatory deadlines for 30 days following President Biden’s declaration of emergency for the State of Florida.
- Wireless Telecommunications Bureau grants an emergency waiver of sections 96.67(c)(2) and (3) of the Commission’s rules governing the Citizen’s Broadband Radio Service to Federated Wireless, CommScope, Inc., and Google LLC.
- Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Extend Filing and Regulatory Deadlines in Additional Areas (SC and GA) Affected by Hurricane Ian.
- Due to damage associated with Hurricane Ian caused to broadcasters in Florida and South Carolina, for these stations, the Media Bureau extends the October 11 deadline for placing material covering the previous calendar quarter in their public inspection file to December 12, 2022.
- Wireless Telecommunications Bureau issues multiple STAs to Verizon and T-Mobile in Florida to restore communications in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
- Verizon’s crisis response team is providing free communications support to public safety agencies responding to the hurricane by setting up portable cell sites, Wi-Fi hotspots, free charging stations and other services. Additionally, they have extended their unlimited talk, text, and data for customers in affected areas through 10/11.
- T-Mobile’s community support teams have set up Wi-fi and device charging stations in various locations in Fort Myers, Englewood, Port Charlotte, Venice, Arcadia, Nocatee, Lake Placid, Avon Park, Wauchula and Sarasota. Additionally, they have extended their unlimited talk, text and data for customers in affected areas through 10/7.
- Comcast has opened Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Central, North, Southwest, and Panhandle of Florida for Xfinity customers, and non-customers, to remain in contact during and after the storm.
- AT&T has waived talk, text, and data overage charges for Postpaid and Prepaid customers with billing addresses in the Florida zip codes (828) through October 28, 2022, to facilitate customer access to communications before, during, and after major events.
- According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):
- Transportation
- Road Closures and Travel Updates
- Florida
- Florida 511 has real-time traffic conditions and incident information.
- The SR-78 / Pine Island at Matlacha Draw Bridge, which connects Pine Island to Ft. Myers, remains closed to the public as of 10/5. As of 10/6, Pine Island became accessible to some emergency vehicles who were authorized by local authorities, and is expected to be open to the public later this week.
- Governor DeSantis said a temporary bridge to Pine Island should be finished by the end of the week.
- Hurricane Ian destroyed a section of the Sanibel Causeway connecting Sanibel Island and Captiva to mainland Florida, cutting off the only access to the barrier island. The Sanibel Causeway bridge remains closed as of 10/6.
- Gov. DeSantis mentioned the state will also build a temporary bridge to Sanibel Island.
- The Florida Department of Transportation is expediting the process to restore the Sanibel Causeway, with the goal to build the temporary bridge by the end of October. Once the short-term, immediate recovery efforts have been made, then they will focus on the long-term repairs to the causeway.
- The SR-78 / Pine Island at Matlacha Draw Bridge, which connects Pine Island to Ft. Myers, remains closed to the public as of 10/5. As of 10/6, Pine Island became accessible to some emergency vehicles who were authorized by local authorities, and is expected to be open to the public later this week.
- Florida 511 has real-time traffic conditions and incident information.
- North Carolina
- Current road conditions and road closures in North Carolina are mapped on DriveNC.gov.
- As of 10/6, there is only 1 active incident on secondary roads due to impacts from Hurricane Ian.
- Florida
- Airports
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is open as of 10/5 for limited commercial flight operations.
- Road Closures and Travel Updates
- Power
Access and Reentry
- No updates since 9/30.
- Florida
- Florida’s access and re-entry plans and policies are managed by local officials, working closely with Florida’s Division of Emergency Management. During a disaster, private sector companies should coordinate with the Division of Emergency Management, in addition to local health departments and local emergency managers to assess whether they are authorized to enter an impacted area, only after it has been deemed safe enough to do so.
- Individuals who wish to enter the disaster area must have the following on hand:
- Valid government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport)Proof of employment (employer credentials, document on company letterhead)
- Demonstrated need to enter the area (work order, inventory list, employer authorization)
- Note, DHS CISA’s Access Coordination Letter is not an acceptable document to enter any disaster areas in Florida.
- North Carolina
- North Carolina requires pre-registration of vendors who provide critical services and goods before they attempt to enter disaster areas. These vendors must apply for a Certificate of Post Disaster Re-entry to be able to enter areas impacted by disasters. Information on applying for this certificate can be found at this North Carolina Business Emergency Operations Center site. Final decisions about entry/re-entry are still under the authority of local governments.
- South Carolina
- South Carolina requires business to register for post-disaster reentry certification before they attempt to enter impacted areas. Business can register for the program with the SC Emergency Management Division and SC Department of Commerce. Final decisions about entry/re-entry are still under the authority of local governments.
Healthcare Response Updates and Needs
- Healthcare Facilities
- As of 10/6, FEMA continues to report that restoring power and water to hospitals, long term care facilities, and other medical facilities remains a priority.
- As of 10/4, the Governor’s office confirmed that only 9 of the 26 healthcare facilities who initially evacuated remain evacuated, with the other 17 having reopened. No new updates as of 10/6.
- GoodRx is offering free telehealth appointments to Florida residents affected by Hurricane Ian through 10/17.
- FACHC asks Florida’s Health Centers to report their status and resources needed using the Live Response Tool or by contacting 850-591-1832 or gianna@fachc.org.
- The Agency for Health Care Administration for the State of Florida is collecting health facility status. All licensees providing residential or inpatient services are asked to update status via the Health Facility Reporting System.
- As of 10/5, the following Lee Health locations have reopened, and are servicing patients from 8:00am-5:00pm (a full list of reopenings can be found here):
- Primary care: LPG Internal Medicine – LaBelle
- Pediatrics: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology – Golisano Children’s Health Center, Pediatric Behavioral Health – Bonita Springs, and Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine
- Hospitalist & Continuum of Care: LPG Orthopedics – The Sanctuary, LPG Orthopedics – Coconut Point, and LPG Orthopedics – Pine Island Rd
- Community & Women’s Health: LPG Behavioral Health – Behavioral Health Center
- Neuroscience Services: LPG Neurology, LPG Memory Care, LPG General & Vascular Surgery – Riverwalk Park, LPG General Surgery – Cape Coral Hospital, and LPG Pain Management – Cape Coral Hospital
- Rehabilitation Services: Outpatient Rehabilitation – The Sanctuary, Neurodiagnostics – Creekside Lane, Outpatient Rehabilitation – Coconut Point, Outpatient Rehabilitation – Bonita Health Center, Outpatient Rehabilitation – Bonita Bay Lifestyle Center, and Outpatient Rehabilitation – HealthPark Commons
- Outpatient services: Lab Services – Cape Coral Hospital, Lab Services – Lee Memorial Hospital, Lab Services – Plantation Road, Outpatient Center – HealthPark Commons, Neurodiagnostics – Riverwalk, Imaging and Radiology – Riverwalk, Florida Radiology Outpatient Imaging at South Pointe, Breast Health Center – Coconut Point, Asthma/COPD Management – Golisano Children’s Health Center, Asthma/COPD Management – HealthPark Commons, Asthma/COPD Management – Metro Medical Plaza
- Pharmacies: Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center, Lee Memorial Hospital
- Blood Centers: Cape Coral Hospital and Bonita Health Center
- Additionally, Lee TeleHealth is available for free, 24/7 for non-emergency patients.
- As of 10/5, NCH has shared the following status update on their services and open locations. In addition to the below openings, all other NCH emergency departments, NCH Physician Group Practices, and Outpatient Facilities remain open.
- Immediate Care: Vanderbilt Immediate Care and Bonita Immediate Care
- Urgent Care: Marco Island Urgent Care
- Hospitals: NCH Baker Hospital, including Outpatient Infusion (OPIS)
- NCH Wellness Centers: Briggs and Whitaker
- Blood Centers: NCH Community Blood Center
- Note: As of 10/4, NCH hospitals are open to receive emergency patients only. However, NCH Virtual Care is accessible to anyone in the community at no cost, 24-hours per day, 7 days a week for two weeks following Ian. Use the coupon code “NCH”.
- For patients who do not have internet access, the NHC Employee Medical Center in the Greentree Plaza is open from 7:00am-7:00pm for patients to use Wi-Fi.
- As of 10/3, all Tampa General Hospital locations remain open and caring for patients. TGH Virtual Health is also available for patients who have been displaced from their doctors and/or regular routines.
- As of 10/4, normal visiting hours have resumed at the following Sarasota Memorial Health facilities: SMH-Sarasota, SMH-Venice; all Urgent Care Centers at Heritage Harbour, University Parkway, St. Armands, Bee Ridge, Stickney Point, and Venice; and most Physician Group offices.
- As of 10/6, Sarasota Memorial Hospital in North Port remains closed due to damages, and the North Port Family Practice and Venice Medical Office Building also remain closed due to power outages.
- While HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital in Port Charlotte remains temporarily closed, the HCA Florida Care Coral Emergency Room, a part of the HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital, has re-opened, and emergency services at the Emergency Room are available 24/7.
- As of 10/5, AdventHealth’s home care, hospice, home infusion, and respiratory equipment services returned to normal operations. However, AdventHealth reports the following closures:
- Hospitals:
- AdventHealth Sebring is open but outpatient services are currently unavailable.
- AdventHealth North Pinellas has reopened, but some services may still be unavailable.
- AdventHealth Medical Group:
- All AdventHealth Medical Group Practices in Flagler and Volusia Counties are closed for both in-person and virtual care.
- Urgent Care:
- Centra Care Locations with no reported opening hours: Titusville, Lake Mary, Daytona, Port Orange, and Brandon
- Sports Med and Rehab:
- Locations with no reported opening hours: Daytona, DeLand Stetson, Fish Memorial/Orange Park, Horizon West, Innovation Tower, Kissimmee, Wekiva, New Smyrna Beach Campus, Orange Ave (SoDo), Pal Coast Parkway, Pediatrics Winter Park, Port Orange Health Park, West Lakes Early Learning Center, and Winter Park
- Primary Care:
- Locations with no reported opening hours: Lakeland and Orlando – Training Center
- Orthopedics: no locations reporting opening hours as of 10/5
- CentraCare will remain open for free video visits for non-emergency patients. Use promo code “Ian” to access free visits on the AdventHealth app.
- Hospitals:
- As of 10/4, all hospitals and non-hospitals operated by BayCare are open.
- Assistance is available for patients who are in need of durable medical equipment, including oxygen, walkers, wheelchairs, or CPAP. Patients should call 1-800-940-5151, option 3.
- BayCare is offering 1 free telehealth visit for all registered users of BayCareAnywhere though 10/12. Initiate a telehealth visit in the BayCareAnywhere app and use the code “IAN”.
- According to the Governor’s Office, as of 10/4, the Lee County Healthcare Center, VA Outpatient Clinic in Daytona Beach, and the Naples and Port Charlotte VA Clinics are closed until further notice.
- As of 10/4, Walmart Health Centers in Tampa and Orlando continue to offer complimentary sick or injury exams. Make appointments at walmarthealth.com or walk-in. Health and Wellness Service Locations:
- Kissimmee, FL Store 2881, 904 B Cypress Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL
Walmart Health is open Mon. – Fri. from 7:30am – 7:30pm; Sat. from 9am – 5pm; Sun. telehealth only* - Sanford, FL Store 857, 3647 S Orlando Dr, Sanford, FL
Walmart Health is open Mon. – Fri. from 7:30am – 7:30pm; Sat. from 9am – 5pm; Sun. telehealth only* - Wesley Chapel, FL, Store 3418, 28516 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL
Walmart Health is open Mon. – Fri. from 7:30am – 7:30pm; Sat. from 9am – 5pm; Sun. telehealth only* - Brandon, FL, Store 2387, 11108 Causeway Blvd, Brandon, FL
Walmart Health is open Mon. – Fri. from 7:30am – 7:30pm; Sat. from 9am – 5pm; Sun. telehealth only*
- Kissimmee, FL Store 2881, 904 B Cypress Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL
- Emergency Medical Services
- As of 10/5, Disaster Medical Assistance Team’s (DMATs) are currently in place at Cape Coral Hospital and Lee Memorial Hospital.
- Florida Department of Health’s Division of Emergency Preparedness and Community Support continues to support patient movement requests and special need shelter requests.
- Several emergency response organizations, including fire departments, mass care specialists, and other volunteers or task forces, deployed to Florida (and remain on the ground) to assist with emergency medical services in response to Ian.
- Pharmacy
- Rx Open is activated for Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina. It was last updated on 10/6 at 2:00pm EDT and is showing 26 pharmacy closures across the impacted states, with closures primarily in Florida.
- Please see the table outlining pharmacy statuses per state below.
- The following counties are reporting less than 50% pharmacies as operational:
- Florida – Glades and Miami-Dade Counties
- Georgia – Baker, Butts, Chattahoochee, Clay, Clayton, Decatur, Echols, Fayette, Glascock, Quitman, Talbot, and Taliaferro Counties
- These counties have less than 50% pharmacies as open primarily due to Unknown Statuses, and not confirmed closures.
- North Carolina – Camden county.
- This county has less than 50% pharmacies as open primarily due to Unknown Statuses, and not confirmed closures.
- OptumRx provided guidance to customers for rerouting existing prescription deliveries to new addresses.
- Pharmacy deliveries via Express Scripts may arrive late as recovery operations continue.
- Dialysis
- As of 10/6, 6 dialysis centers remain closed in Florida.
- In Florida, several facilities are on generator power and/or connected to water tankers. Damage has been reported at some facilities, but overall damage is minimal.
- See Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER’s) Hurricane Ian webpage to share information with the dialysis community. The page includes patient helpline numbers and contacts for End Stage Renal Disease Networks supporting Florida:
- Network 7: HSAG Florida ESRD Network
Helpline: 800.826.3773 - Network 8: Alliant ESRD Network 8
Helpline: 877.936.9260
- Network 7: HSAG Florida ESRD Network
Public Health Impacts
- Infectious illnesses
- With people entering and/or remaining in shelters due to the hurricane, there is an increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
- Chemicals/Flood Water
- Gas and diesel can generate carbon monoxide when generators are not properly used. This can cause dizziness, headaches, and other negative health effects. Breathing can also be impacted by mold and pollutants in the air. Practice safe generator usage to decrease risk of health implications.
- Mosquito-borne illnesses
- Stagnant water that pools and develops in the aftermath of hurricanes can promote an increase in mosquitos and other insects that carry illnesses.
- There are several key methods for protection, including: wear long sleeve shirts and pants, use EPA-registered insect repellant, and drain water from outdoor containers when possible.
- Stagnant water that pools and develops in the aftermath of hurricanes can promote an increase in mosquitos and other insects that carry illnesses.
- Waterborne hazards
- Waterborne hazards are common after a hurricane because of the high amounts of water that buildup post storm and flood. Experts recommend avoiding drinking tap water, using water filters when possible, and to refrain from walking through flood waters when possible.
- Leptospirosis – Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by animal urine contaminating water sources. Avoiding exposure to contaminated is the best way to prevent the bacterial disease.
- As of 10/5, other waterborne diseases, like Cholera, are not expected to threaten impacted areas due to low prevalence prior to Ian.
- Waterborne hazards are common after a hurricane because of the high amounts of water that buildup post storm and flood. Experts recommend avoiding drinking tap water, using water filters when possible, and to refrain from walking through flood waters when possible.
- Mental health
- The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay offers a free mental health helpline for first responders and their loved ones. The program focuses on Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. Firefighters, police officers, emergency care providers and other first responders can reach the program by filling out a web form at lasttoask.com and can receive confidential support by calling 1-866-435-4376 (1-866-4FL-HERO).
- Florida Blue is offering free virtual doctors’ visits and a bilingual emotional support helpline for Floridians impacted by Ian at 855-225-5032 for visits, and the helpline at 833-848-1764 for emotional support. Both lines are available 24/7.
- The Florida Behavioral Health Association provides a list of helplines offered to Floridians in various counties, including an Aspire Health Partners helpline that residents of Orange, Osceola, Lake and Seminole counties can call at 407-875-3700, ext. 2.
- The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that is available to veterans 24/7. The service is available to all veterans, even if you are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare. You can call 800-273-8255 ext. 1, text 838255, contact the veterans crisis chat, or dial 988 ext.1
- The Hurricane Ian disaster recovery hotline is available for mental health needs, disability services, military and veteran assistance, and other needs.
- Individuals may call or text 211 to be connected with help for physical and mental health needs and assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
- The SAMSHA Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 is open 24/7 to provide immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress. The Helpline is toll-free, multilingual, and confidential and is available to all residents in US and its territories via phone or text. Deaf or hard of hearing callers can utilize a videophone or ASL Now.
- Other
- This website is for reporting missing persons related to Hurricane Ian.
- US government agencies have shared that routine non-criminal immigration enforcement operations will not be conducted at evacuation sites or assistance centers.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to Florida businesses and residents in FEMA disaster-declared counties whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Ian.
Supply Chain
- Manufacturing
- No updates as of 10/6.
- Manufacturers in Florida have not reported any major impacts. There are no expected impacts to Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina supply chain.
- Distribution
- As of 10/6, UPS is continuing to report that most UPS facilities are providing pickup and delivery services as conditions permit. There will still be no pickups or deliveries today in the following zip codes: 33924, 33957, 33931, 33956, 33922.
- As of 10/6, FedEx is reporting delays and disruptions for inbound and outbound shipments across impacted areas. FedEx Express, Ground, and Freight have temporarily suspended service in a number of cities in Florida which can be found here.
- Service is temporarily suspended in Bokeelia, Captiva, Fort Myers Beach, Saint James City, Sanibel, and Cape Coral.
- As of 10/6, US Postal Service reports that 12 facilities remain temporarily suspended until further notice. Each of the 12 facilities have an alternate location provided.
Resource Staging
- As of 10/6, more than 829,000 MREs and 3.8 million bottles of water have been distributed so far.
- As of 10/5, the State of Florida and FEMA are operating a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Lee County.
- Location: Lakes Regional Library 15290 Bass Road Fort Myers, FL 33919
- A mobile, public fueling station opened on 10/4 in Lee County at the Stars Complex to provide fuel for vehicles and gas cans for generators to impacted residents.
- Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) is identifying locations and resource needs for Points of Distribution (POD) in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Lee, and Sarasota counties. 29 POD sites are listed as open today.
- POD locations are open today in the following counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Lee, and Sarasota. The exact locations can be found here.
- As of 10/5, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joins President Biden to survey heavily damaged areas and meet with Governor DeSantis and response officials about ongoing efforts to help survivors and hard-hit communities in Florida.
- FEMA has already registered thousands of Floridian households and continues going door to door in 11 counties assisting with applications and answering questions about types of federal assistance available.
- FDEM has activated the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) to provide an additional resource for Floridians to receive up-to-date information regarding Hurricane Ian. Residents and visitors can call this toll-free hotline at 1-800-342-3557.
- FDEM has received more than 3,700 resource requests for Hurricane Ian and fulfilled. Over 3,100 of these requests are currently being processed and are either en route or being mobilized. This includes the coordination of resources such as: trucks of food and water, generators and water pumps.
Emergency Prescription Refills
- Florida
- No updates since 10/5.
- As of 9/24, early prescription refills are permitted under the State of Emergency. Opioids are considered a controlled substance, and therefore excluded from emergency prescription refill laws.
- You can obtain a 30-day refill of your prescription medication – even if you have just refilled it – if you reside in a county that:
- Is under a hurricane warning issued by the National Weather Service;
- Is under a state of emergency executive order declared by the Governor; or
- Has activated its emergency operations center/emergency management plan.
- About 13% of Florida’s population is uninsured. The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) is the federal program that provides medication coverage for uninsured patients, but the program has not yet been activated. The uninsured population under age 65 in areas impacted by Ian is especially high:
- Hendry County: 27.6%
- DeSoto County: 25.4%
- Lee County: 19.3%
- Collier County: 17.9%
- Charlotte County: 16.9%
- Sarasota County: 15.8%
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented the 1812 Waiver and 1135 Waiver in response to the Public Health Emergency (PHE) declaration. These waivers and modifications are intended to ensure individual pharmaceutical and medical needs are met during emergency and disaster situations.
- As of 9/29, individuals that live in one of the 67 impacted counties who have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (Florida Blue and Truli) memberships can access early prescription refills for maintenance medications through 10/24/2022.
- People impacted can receive a 30-day supply.
- Teledoc, the virtual healthcare system is available for $0 cost to those impacted by Hurricane Ian.
- Patients can call 855-225-5032 to reach doctors 24/7 for basic care and prescriptions and prescription refills that are not controlled substances.
- As of 9/29, Humana Healthy Horizons™ in Florida will provide special accommodations for prescription access until the PHE declaration has ended, and or, 30 days has passed since the initial event.
- As of 9/28, Cigna has lifted certain medical and benefit pharmacy restrictions.
- As of 9/28, Molina Healthcare of Florida is suspending all prior authorization requirements for prescription refills until the state of emergency is lifted.
- North Carolina
- In the event of a disaster, if a prescriber is unable to provide medical services, Board Rule .1815 states that a pharmacist can issue up to a 90-day supply emergency refill.
- Starting 9/29 through the end of the state of emergency, NC Medicaid Direct and NC Medicaid Managed Care will reimburse providers for medically necessary drugs and services. Additionally, NC Medicaid enrolled pharmacy providers are approved to override prior approval requirements during the state of emergency to ensure all beneficiaries have access to medications.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is allowing early prescription refills to North Carolina customers through 10/28.
- Members of Anthem whose plan covers prescription medications that are taken on a regular basis can receive a 30-day emergency refill at any pharmacy through 10/28.
- South Carolina
- According to South Carolina Law, if a pharmacist is unable to reach a prescriber for refill authorization of a non-controlled substance, under certain circumstances they are permitted to issue an emergency refill of up to a 14-day supply once within a 12-month period.
- On 9/30, Blue Cross Blue Shield announced that effective immediately, for the next 90 days, members can access early refills of any prescription medicine, and use Well Connection (telehealth platform) with no copayments or deductibles. Use code “BCBSMA126”.
Evacuations and Curfews
- Evacuations:
- As of 10/6, the following Florida counties remain under mandatory evacuation orders: Lee County, Osceola County, and Sarasota County.
- As of 10/6, Seminole County remains under a voluntary evacuation order.
- Curfews:
- As of 10/6, Lee County’s curfew from 9:00pm-6:00am remains in effect.
- As of 10/6, Pine Island, Fort Myers Beach, and Bonita Beach, are reported to be under a 24/7 curfew .
- As of 10/6, Charlotte County is under a curfew from 10:00pm-6:00am.
- Beginning the evening of 10/6, the City of Sanibel transitions to a 7:00pm-7:00am mandatory curfew. During curfew hours, residents should not be on the island, even in their homes.
- As of 10/4, the City of Sanibel began issuing Hurricane Re-Entry Passes for residents and business owners to grant temporary re-entry to the island on 10/5.
- As of 10/3, the City of Kissimmee has a mandatory curfew from 9pm to 6am until further notice.
- As of 10/3, Collier County and the City of Naples have a curfew from 12am to 6am until 10/5.
Sheltering
- As of 10/6, Florida Disaster Maps shows there are 11 open shelters and 3 Special Needs Shelters in the state.
- The American Health Care Association (AHCA) activated the Emergency Patient Look-Up System (E-PLUS), which can be utilized by special needs shelters for 16 counties to retrieve patient medical records.
- Full list and map of shelters open in Florida can be found on the Florida SERT site.
- A list of open American Red Cross shelters can be found here.
- On 10/2, Airbnb rolled out urgent hurricane accommodations, info at airbnb.com/hurricaneianflorida. For displaced residents of Lee and Charlotte counties, Airbnb is also working with nonprofit partners to offer vouchers for temporary housing at Airbnb properties. To learn more, see Airbnb’s full press release.
- Florida SERT and Florida Tourism Department have partnered with Expedia to launch an emergency accommodations page. Expedia has reached out to accommodation partners and encouraged them to waive cancellation fees and pet restrictions for evacuees.