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In the Path of a Hurricane

Let’s face it: knowing your college student is far away and in the path of a major hurricane is tough. And with a storm heading toward Tampa and Orlando, the anxiety is real. You want to help, but distance, tight finances, and the uncertainty of a storm make it difficult to know what to do. Luckily, there are still meaningful ways to provide support, even from afar.

Here are some practical steps you can take to ensure your student in the Tampa or Orlando areas stays safe and prepared.

1. Establish Communication Before the Storm Hits

Tampa and Orlando are major metro areas, but during a hurricane, power outages and service disruptions are a reality. Start by making sure your student charges all devices and purchases (or finds) a portable power bank—these are lifesavers when power goes out. You can find inexpensive ones online or even at local stores like Walmart or Target. Encourage them to set up group chats with local friends or neighbors as backup communication points if service fails.

2. Prepare with Local Resources in Mind

In Florida, hurricane prep is routine, but students new to the area may need some guidance. Tampa and Orlando both have evacuation routes, local shelters, and emergency resources your student should be aware of. Tampa residents can check the City of Tampa website or the Hillsborough County Emergency Management site for shelter information, while Orlando students can use Orange County’s resources.

Encourage them to build an emergency kit with items like bottled water, non-perishable food, and flashlights. Campus stores and local shops often run deals before storms, so buying a few essentials won’t break the bank. Remind them that reusable water bottles filled from the tap are a free and easy way to ensure they have clean water. If they are in a campus dorm, many universities, including the University of Tampa and UCF, offer storm resources and designated shelters—it's worth looking into.

3. Know the Local Shelter Options

If evacuation is recommended and your student can't afford a hotel, public shelters are available throughout both Tampa and Orlando. The University of Central Florida (UCF) and the University of South Florida (USF) often open emergency shelters for students and staff, providing a safe haven during severe weather.

It’s worth encouraging your student to stay informed about local evacuation orders. Tampa, being more vulnerable to storm surges, could see evacuation orders issued for areas near the coast. While Orlando may not face direct coastal impacts, flooding and power outages are common concerns. Both cities have numerous shelters, so students should know their options, even if they don’t need to leave campus.

4. Help Them Prepare Financially

Hurricanes can bring unexpected costs, and if your student is on a tight budget, it’s a good idea to think ahead. FEMA has resources available for individuals facing financial hardship after natural disasters, and both Tampa and Orlando often have community assistance funds or emergency grants for students post-storm. If your student is worried about finances, check with their school’s financial aid office to see if they offer emergency funds or housing support during evacuations.

Encourage them to also consider taking photos of valuables in their dorm or apartment, just in case they need to file a claim for any post-storm damage.

5. Look Out for Mental Health and Well-being

Living through a hurricane in a city far from home can be overwhelming for your student, emotionally as well as physically. They may need someone to talk to. Encourage them to lean on friends or local support systems. Many universities in the Tampa and Orlando areas offer counseling services during severe weather events. Check in with your child often and offer reassurance—they need to know that you’re there, even from a distance.

6. Post-Storm: Recovery and Resources

Once the storm passes, both Tampa and Orlando have robust recovery systems in place, but power outages and damage may linger. Your student may need help navigating post-storm challenges, whether that’s understanding when it’s safe to return to campus if they evacuated, or seeking food and water if stores remain closed. Red Cross locations in both cities are great resources for immediate post-storm needs, and local community centers often offer additional support, including free meals and bottled water.

If your student is facing longer-term issues, such as housing damage or unexpected costs, don’t hesitate to contact the school for further assistance—both UCF and USF typically provide student services for those affected by hurricanes.

Wrapping Up

The thought of a hurricane heading toward Tampa or Orlando while your college student is there can be overwhelming. But with clear communication, practical preparations, and a lot of love, you can help them stay safe—even from afar.

We’re sending thoughts of safety and strength to you, your student, and everyone in the path of the storm. Stay connected, stay calm, and remember that storms pass, but preparation and support are what make all the difference.



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Guest
Oct 07, 2024
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for the timely tips!

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