Florida, known for its beautiful beaches and warm climate, is also susceptible to hurricanes. If you’re a workamper volunteering in a Florida public land area, it’s essential to be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane. Here’s what you should do before, during, and after a hurricane:
Before the Hurricane
Develop an Emergency Plan: Create a plan that outlines what you’ll do if a hurricane threatens the area. This should include where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and what supplies you’ll need.
Gather Supplies: Assemble an emergency kit that includes essential items such as food, water, first aid supplies, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, your medicines, snacks, entertainment, chargers and a change of clothes.
Stay Informed: Monitor weather reports and follow the instructions of local authorities and the public land area personnel.
Communicate with Your Volunteer Coordinator: Let your coordinator know your plans in case of a hurricane. If you’re planning to evacuate, inform them of your departure and when you plan to return or if you will not be returning.
During the Hurricane
Follow Evacuation Orders: If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. Don’t wait for the last minute. If utilitizing an evacuation shelter and you have pets make sure you have a crate to house them in, their food and medicine. The Florida governor has issued an order that all counties must designated a “Pet Friendly” shelter within their area
Stay Safe: If you’re unable to evacuate, seek shelter in a sturdy building, such as a hurricane-resistant structure or a high-rise building.
Avoid Driving: Do not drive during or immediately after a hurricane, as roads may be flooded or blocked by debris. Also, if you are going back to your workamping area you will need to wait until the volunteer coordinator gives you the all-clear.
After the Hurricane
Check for Damage: Once it’s safe to go outside, assess the damage to your RV and the surrounding area. Help out when and where you can. This is where your Emergency Fund will come in handy if you need repairs or money for a new rig if yours gets destroyed.
Assist with Cleanup: If you’re able, volunteer to help with the cleanup efforts. Many parks and forests will need assistance clearing debris and repairing damage.
Communicate with Your Coordinator: Let your coordinator know if you’re safe and if you’re able to return to your volunteer duties.
Remember, your safety is the top priority during a hurricane. By preparing beforehand, following evacuation orders, and staying informed, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of others. Most public land areas have a mandatory evacuation orders for all volunteers and visitors before any kind of major storm. Some will have prepared places for their volunteers to park their RVs before the storm comes in and there should be designated evacuation centers for shelter.
Patience is probably your number one resource when these kinds of things happen. All you can really do is keep yourself busy helping out where you can. Depending on the type of storm and where you are located there will be different challenges to overcome. All we can do is keep safe, help where we can and get back to work. There is no shame in walking away either. Please, please, let your volunteer coordintor know if you will not be returning to fulfill the remainder of your contract.
We would love to hear from our fellow Florida Workampers out there. Give us a shout on social media or use our CONTACT US form to share your own weather related workamping experiences. We also hope you will join our newsletter.
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