Hurricane Updates and Policy Adjustments
Last updated: 10/10/2024

Tropical system Milton has now passed, and with it, recovery begins again.

Click HERE for a PDF list of local resources for Collier County to save onto your mobile device in the event of a power and signal outage.

Lee County Public Schools are closed 10/07-10/11

Collier County Public Schools are closed 10/07-10/11

Charlotte County Public Schools are closed 10/07-10/11

FGCU is virtual learning 10/07 and closed 10/08-10/111

FSW is virtual learning 10/07 and closed 10/08 and 10/09

Evacuation Orders are now being lifted. Please refer to local officials on when it is safe to return home.

Practice Status/Updates

Thursday the office will be closed.
Friday will resume as normal. As of now, power is out at the office so all appointment will be telehealth if power is not restored by then. I will be providing rolling updates as I am able and will confirm appointments myself directly. If it is unsafe for you in any way to come to session, please stay home and do not log on. If you do not hear anything from me regarding your appointment, please stay home.
If power at the office goes off, by law, I cannot see patients. If I am able to see you virtually from my home office, I will offer that instead.
Reschedule and cancel fees will not be applied for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
If you are forecasting that due to the storm you will encounter a financial hardship, please let me know. We are committed to helping patients and accommodating.

Storm Preparedness Recommendations

Note the best places to receive updates on the storm from accredited professionals, including local news stations, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and county/state officials. You will find a list to several sites for reference below.
This is projected to be a Category 3-4 hurricane. Do not take this lightly. Your and your families' well-being is what matters.
Secure the basic storm essentials and ensure that you secure all outside objects indoors to prevent excessive damage to your home. Trim any loose trees or branches prior, secure any pool-related items (it may be advised to drain your pool as well), ensure that your vehicles are locked and secured safely on stable ground, and make sure that your doors and windows are locked securely.
Some items that may be useful to take stock of: batteries, flashlights, bottled water, electronic device chargers, first aid supplies, prescription medications, important documentation (SS card, ID, birth certificate, titles to possessions, etc.), sand bags (if advised), non-perishable foods, manual can openers, battery powered radios, candles, lighters/matches, pet food and medicines, spare cash, basic hardware tools. Others may be added here over time.
The Florida Department of Health has continued early prescription refills for our county in preparation for the storm. If you are 2 weeks out from your next refill you may go ahead and pull that for pick-up.
Power may go out for this storm. Generators may be useful, but be mindful of ventilation if you decide to use one. Carbon monoxide is odorless and has the capacity to injure or kill quickly if not properly ventilated. It is generally recommended to only power on a generator outside if it is safe to do so.
During a tropical system, there is an increased chance of tornadoes forming. Please keep your wits about you and take immediate shelter in a windowless, closed part of your home (a bathroom or laundry room is usually good) should the winds pick up too much or you suspect a tornado.
If power lines are downed, assume they are live and avoid them at all costs.
Storm surge is one of our biggest concerns in our area and is very serious. Do NOT attempt to enter a moving body of water if at all possible. If you are in an area closer to the coast, it will be more likely that you are required to evacuate due to concerns with flooding and storm surge. Listen to local officials on this.
Be mindful of your mental health during this storm. Keep easy-to-use coping skills available throughout (coloring books, reading material, fidget toys, stress balls, etc.), check in with your loved ones, be sure to keep up with your appetite and sleep as best you can. Ensure that you have enough of your medications available throughout the storm: many pharmacies will provide emergency supplies of prescription medications without a full re-up from a physician for the duration of a storm.
Be sure to take pictures of your vehicles and the outside of your homes in the event of damage. That helps with filing insurance claims.
Help each other out when possible. We are all in this together.