Hurricane Preparedness in Azalea Park: Training Community Health Workers

Hurricane season is part of life in Central Florida, and preparing ahead can make an important difference for families. Having a plan, understanding what to do when an alert is issued, and maintaining essential supplies are steps that should be considered before a storm approaches.

For older adults and people who may require additional assistance, preparedness may also involve organizing medications, emergency contacts, transportation, important documents, and other resources that may be needed during an emergency.

As part of the activities of Bosque Comunitario de la Fe, a practical training was held with the Renacer Foundation team for Community Health Workers (CHWs). The training focused on strengthening their knowledge of hurricane preparedness and the educational tools they can share with Azalea Park residents.

The Role of CHWs in Community Preparedness

Community Health Workers help connect people with health and social services, provide community education, and guide residents toward available resources.

During an emergency, their knowledge of the community can also support efforts to share preparedness information, identify resources, and help residents consider the elements they may need in their personal emergency plans.

During the workshop, CHWs worked through situations related to hurricane season and practiced clear ways to explain what residents can do before, during, and after a storm.

The goal is not to replace emergency management agencies, but to strengthen the ability of CHWs to share practical and reliable information with the people they serve.

ADDA: Before, During, After, and In Addition

The training used the ADDA methodology as a practical tool to organize hurricane preparedness information into four stages: Before, During, After, and In Addition.

Before

Preparedness begins before there is an immediate threat. This stage addressed developing an emergency plan, identifying emergency contacts, organizing medications and important documents, checking conditions around the home, and preparing food, water, and other essential supplies.

Florida recommends that households maintain enough non-perishable food, water, medications, and other supplies for each family member for at least seven days.

During

This stage focused on actions to consider while a storm is affecting the area, including remaining in a safe location, receiving information from official sources, and preparing for possible power and communication outages.

Participants also discussed the importance of following instructions from local authorities and avoiding unnecessary exposure to dangerous outdoor conditions during the storm.

After

Risks may remain even after the storm has passed.

The training addressed precautions involving downed power lines, contaminated water, structural damage, and other conditions that may present hazards after a hurricane.

Participants also discussed maintaining communication with family members, neighbors, and people who may require additional assistance in the days following an emergency.

In Addition

The final stage of ADDA considers additional needs that may differ from person to person.

For older adults, these considerations may include prescription medications, electricity-dependent equipment, mobility, transportation, medical contacts, and other needs that should be included in a personal emergency plan.

Learning Through Practical Scenarios

The workshop incorporated exercises and situations based on circumstances that may occur before, during, and after a hurricane.

CHWs considered different scenarios and practiced how to organize and communicate preparedness recommendations clearly while helping residents identify elements that should be considered in their own emergency plans.

This training also allows the information to extend beyond the workshop. The knowledge can later be used during educational activities, outreach efforts, and direct conversations with Azalea Park residents.

Preparedness Begins at Home

Hurricane preparedness should begin before a warning is issued.

Basic steps families can consider include maintaining an updated emergency contact list, keeping important documents protected, checking necessary medications, and preparing enough food, water, and essential supplies for at least seven days.

Families with older adults can also identify needs involving mobility, transportation, medications, medical equipment, or additional assistance before a storm approaches.

Having this information organized ahead of time can make it easier to make decisions during an emergency.

Connection

Promoting community, nature, faith, and well-being.

Sustainability

Resilience

+1 407 504 7066

© 2025. All rights reserved.

arbol@bcfazalea.org