Imagine living through the back-to-back impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, two of the deadliest natural disasters in recent history. The turmoil, fear, and destruction such catastrophic events bring are beyond words. However, amidst the chaos, the people of Florida found solace and strength in the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and his team.
It’s easy to overlook the importance of proactive disaster preparedness until we face a crisis. The recent storms in Florida serve as a stark reminder that thoughtful and coordinated preparation can drastically reduce the damage inflicted by natural disasters.
Let’s delve into the actions taken by the Governor and his team that helped mitigate the impact of these devastating storms.
Strengthening the Power Grid
Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, had the foresight to plan for a scenario of this magnitude. One of his key strategies was a proactive multiyear approach to strengthening the power grid, an initiative he began after Hurricane Michael. The plan included permanent generators and lift station upgrades, among other enhancements. The result? A significant reduction in the debilitating effects of power loss, particularly for the medically fragile, such as hospice patients and the seriously ill.
Clear Communication and Early Evacuation
Another key aspect of disaster management is clear communication and early evacuation. Companies such as VITAS Healthcare, committed to providing ongoing care and support to patients, families, and employees before, during, and after natural disasters, greatly benefited from the state’s clear communication. Early evacuation orders allowed many residents to escape the areas of greatest impact sooner, giving healthcare providers more time to relocate patients to safer facilities, minimizing disruption.
Support for Healthcare Providers
Amidst the chaos, organizations like the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) offered essential services like fuel for employees and kept healthcare professionals informed with real-time updates. Emergency management planning provided specific resources for those working in home health agencies, hospice, and more. This timely and efficient support was instrumental in protecting patients and families during the crisis.
It’s evident that behind the scenes, a lot of work goes into disaster management. The recent storms in Florida have shown us that well-executed disaster preparedness plans are our best defense against natural disasters. We can certainly be grateful for the comprehensive actions of various agencies and the leadership of Gov. DeSantis in preparing for and executing plans for Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
While we hope not to face such disasters again, it’s comforting to know that our leaders are prepared and proactive in their approach. It’s a reminder that while we can’t control Mother Nature, we can control our response to her unpredictable behavior. Here’s to the resilience of the people of Florida, and to the leaders who stood by them during the storm.
As we recover and rebuild, we remain Florida strong!
Nick Westfall, the Chair and CEO of VITAS® Healthcare, is one of the many individuals who have experienced first-hand the effectiveness of these disaster management strategies.
