PORT SAINT LUCIE, Florida/September 11, 2010 –
Physicians Immediate Care, one of the region’s
premier providers of ambulatory and urgent
health care, is urging Treasure Coast residents
to become prepared not complacent as we are now
at the peak of the 2010 hurricane season.
“Preparation is the critical factor to surviving
a hurricane or tropical storm,” said Kenneth
Palestrant, M.D., Physicians Immediate Care,
“Residents can not afford to let their guard
down just because we have not had a hurricane
threaten our area so far this season,” he added.
Physicians Immediate Care joins with local
disaster preparedness organizations in urging
residents to build a disaster supply kit or
check the kit you prepared last year. “Include a
three-day supply of water and ready-to-eat
non-perishable foods. Don’t forget a manual can
opener, battery-powered radio, flashlight and
extra batteries,” said Dr. Palestrant. Although
Physicians Immediate Care will be open to help
residents as soon as conditions are safe should
we have a storm, your kit should also have a
first aid kit, prescription and non-prescription
medications, and copies of important documents.
Everyone should also prepare a personal disaster
and evacuation plan. “Identify two meeting
places—one near your home, and one outside our
area in case you can’t return home. Make plans
for your pets. Select an out-of-area emergency
contact person. We have learned from
experiencing Hurricanes Frances, Jeanne, and
Wilma to be prepared before a storm threatens,”
concluded Dr. Palestrant.
Other advice includes knowing the difference
between a hurricane watch and warning. If a
hurricane WATCH is issued:
-
Listen to
weather updates from your battery-powered or
hand-cranked radio.
-
Bring in
outdoor objects such as lawn furniture,
hanging plants, bicycles, toys and garden
tools. Anchor objects that cannot be brought
inside.
-
Close all
windows and doors.
-
Cover windows
with storm shutters or pre-cut plywood.
-
Fill your
vehicle’s gas tank.
If
a hurricane WARNING is issued:
-
Listen to the
advice of local officials, and leave if they
tell you to do so.
-
Secure your
home by unplugging appliances and turning
off electricity and the main water valve.
-
If you are not
advised to evacuate, stay inside, away from
windows, skylights and glass doors.
Physicians Immediate Care measures its success
through patient satisfaction and extraordinary
care. Physicians Immediate Care also offers
employers professional services for workers
compensation, routine exams, and drug testing.
Physicians Immediate Care provides a convenient,
cost effective alternative to emergency rooms
and doctor’s offices from offices at 1900 SE
Port Saint Lucie Boulevard, 4007 SW Port Saint
Lucie Boulevard in the Para Center, 550 South US
Highway One, Ft. Pierce, and now open in Saint
Lucie West at 1730 SW St. Lucie West Boulevard.
Physicians Immediate Care provides prompt
medical attention, with no appointment
necessary, Monday through Friday 08:00 a.m.
until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 08:00
a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For additional information
call (772) 343-1774, or visit their website at
www.immedcare.com.
