Hurricane Video Guides Florida Residents

Source: AARP.org | May 5, 2005

Every year from June 1 to November 30 Floridians are on the watch for the next big storm. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows Florida as the most directly hit state in the country with 64 hurricanes (27 major) striking the state from 1900 to 2004. The next highest state is Texas with 38 direct strikes,16 of those being major.

Preparation
So, how do we prepare?

What are some safety tips during and after the storm?

Who can you trust to repair your home?

AARP Florida has those answers for you. We've spent the past months creating a video that will help Florida residents deal with all the issues that arise from major storms. After the Storm is a 20 minute disaster recovery video with tips on safety, basic subsistence, major home repairs and reconstruction. It also gives information on how to contact local and state authorities, relief agencies and repair services.

Where do I get it?
This video comes in VHS or DVD format and is available at AARP Florida chapters, senior centers and libraries across the state.

AARP Florida has also developed a special publication, Putting Things Back Together, related to disaster recovery which provides important toll-free numbers for information and assistance on issues like price gouging, insurance problems, senior services, consumer problems and more. This publication also provides fraud prevention advice so that those impacted don't become victims of disaster related scams. Access the publication online or by calling our State office toll-free telephone number at 866-595-7678.

Related Articles

• Test Yourself: Can You Stop a Home Repair Disaster?
  Tips on checking credentials, references and getting it writing.
• Putting Things Back Together
  Advice on disaster repair (pdf)

Other Resources

• Florida Library Locations
• Florida Attorney General
  Citizen Services Contact Form for price gouging complaints
• Check a contractor's license
  The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• Florida Elder Helpline
  Find your county specific helpline or call the state wide line at 1-800-963-5337
• Get the latest hurricane info from the NOAA
  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has facts and forecasts updated regularly