Hurricane Season & Medical Transport: A South Florida Prep Checklist

In South Florida, hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 — and for anyone who depends on regular medical transportation, a storm in the forecast adds one more thing to coordinate. The good news: a little planning now means your rides to dialysis, appointments, and treatments stay on track even when the weather doesn't cooperate.

Why it matters for medical transport

Some trips simply can't be skipped. Dialysis, infusion therapy, wound care, and other recurring treatments stay on schedule whether or not there's a storm offshore. When demand spikes before a hurricane and the roads get busy, the families who planned ahead are the ones who still get where they need to be — safely and on time.

Before the season: build your plan

• Keep a simple list of your recurring appointments and the facilities you visit
• Ask your dialysis center or clinic about their own storm and closure plan
• Know who to call for transportation — and save a backup option in your phone
• Keep phones charged and a written copy of key numbers in case the power goes out
• Make sure your transport provider has your current address, mobility needs, and contacts on file

When a storm is in the forecast

Don't wait until the last minute. As soon as a system is being watched, confirm your upcoming trips and ask whether any appointments are being moved up or rescheduled. Booking early — rather than the day before — gives you the best choice of pickup times before everyone else is calling too.

A note on dialysis and recurring treatment

If you're on dialysis, talk with your care team early about whether your schedule shifts ahead of a storm — many centers move patients up so no one misses a session. Once you know the plan, let your transportation provider know right away so your rides can be adjusted to match.

Follow official guidance for the big decisions

For evacuation orders, shelter locations, and special-needs registries, always follow your county emergency management office and your medical team. Florida counties offer special-needs shelter programs for residents with medical requirements — it's worth registering before the season, not during a warning.

How Essential Transport Assistance helps

We keep an eye on the forecast and work with families to plan recurring and standing-order trips around the weather, so a ride to dialysis or a discharge home doesn't become a crisis. Set up your schedule with our dispatch team and we'll help you stay a step ahead all season long.