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It's a New Day in Public Health.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Disaster Preparedness

Florida Department of Health in Hardee County

The Florida Department of Health in Hardee County's Public Health Preparedness program is actively involved in planning and responding to the public health needs of the community in times of emergency or disaster. Collaborating with Hardee County's Emergency Management, Florida Department of Health, local hospitals and other health, medical and disaster response organizations, we work towards coordinated planning, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. 

We can’t predict which disasters or accidents might happen, but we can get ourselves prepared and keep our families and businesses safe with a disaster plan.

  • Talk with your family and pick a family rally spot.
  • Put together a home disaster kit and plan for evacuations.
  • Update everyone’s contact information, back up your data, photograph your possessions, and copy important papers (wills, trusts, deeds, mortgages, utility and financial statements, etc.)

We react more quickly if we think ahead about difficult situations. People who plan ahead for emergencies and have supplies ready will get through disasters and recover more quickly.

Helpful Links: 

Use these links to help prepare your family, business, children and elders with special needs.

Business Disaster Planning 

A disaster of any size can cause long-term impacts to businesses and the economy. Reduce the impact of disasters by having a business continuity plan in place and help employees get prepared. It’s important to consider how disasters affect employees, customers and workplaces.

Whole Community Preparedness 

Health, medical, mental health and public safety join forces for the common cause of making Hardee County safer, healthier and more resilient. We all share in the responsibility to be prepared because no should do it alone. FEMA’s Concept of Whole Community involves everyone — businesses, volunteers, neighbors, governments, media and social media, educators, not-for-profits, residents who are vulnerable to disasters, young people and elders. We learn to rely on each other, to understand our strengths and to discover places to improve.

Special Needs Shelters

In Florida, everyone is vulnerable to severe weather like hurricanes, especially individuals with special needs.

Some examples include:

  • Those requiring oxygen
  • Those requiring assistance with routine care and medications
  • Those requiring mobility assistance
  • Those with dependence on electricity

These individuals must take special precautions if an emergency occurs. The Hardee County Special Needs Program is in place to coordinate the registration, notification and sheltering of those residents with physical or mental disabilities or minor health and medical conditions. Although special needs shelters provide more care than a general shelter, they do not provide the level of care found in a medical facility. To register, go to:Special Needs Registry (link opens in new window).