Hurricane

Navigating Hurricane Season During Cancer Care

If you’ve lived in Florida long enough, terms like spaghetti models, eyewall and projected path are a familiar part of life during hurricane season. But for those facing cancer, the added uncertainty of a storm can feel especially overwhelming. While preparing for a storm often means stocking up on essentials, cancer patients must also consider how a hurricane could temporarily disrupt their treatment.

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we understand how important it is to maintain your care, even when weather becomes unpredictable. That’s why we plan ahead and work closely with patients to minimize disruptions and keep you informed every step of the way.

Key Resources for Updates

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, with peak activity between mid-August and mid-October. If a storm threatens the Tampa Bay area, Moffitt will provide timely updates via:

• Patient Portal
• Moffitt.org/hurricane
• Patient Hotline: 813-745-3500
• Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram

If your appointment needs to be canceled due to a storm, a Moffitt representative will contact you directly.

Be Storm Ready: Prepare Your Cancer Information

Before a storm, write down key information about your care in case you need to evacuate:

• Type and stage of cancer
• Recent treatment details (type, cycle and date)
• Doctor’s name and facility
• List of medications (prescribed and over the counter)
• Details of any other health conditions

You can download and print Moffitt’s free wallet card to keep this information with you at all times. Consider laminating it to protect it from water damage.

Moffitt Is Not a Storm Shelter

Moffitt campuses are not public shelters. If you need to evacuate, we recommend registering with your county’s special needs disaster assistance program in advance. Transportation may be available through The Sunshine Line.

Special needs shelters offer more medical support than general shelters, including oxygen, dialysis support and assistance from nursing staff but they are not medical facilities.

What To Do at a Shelter

• Let the staff know you are a cancer patient receiving treatment
• Consider wearing a mask to reduce infection risk
• Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
• Fever above 101ºF
• New or worsening pain
• Difficulty breathing or coughing
• Signs of infection (swelling, redness and drainage)
• Burning or blood in urine
• Other unusual symptoms

Medications, Vaccines and First Aid

Take your medications as prescribed. If you don’t have access to them, contact your doctor, pharmacy or health insurer.

Avoid live vaccines (such as nasal spray flu vaccine, MMR or shingles) unless your cancer doctor specifically approves.

Pack a waterproof supply kit that includes:

• Medications and dressings
• Antiseptics and fever reducers
• Items for nausea, diarrhea or constipation
• Hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol)

If Treatment Is Disrupted

According to the American Cancer Society, if you remain in the area but cannot access care due to power outages, flooding or facility damage, contact your doctor or treatment center as soon as possible.

If you’ve evacuated outside the area, ask shelter staff, the Red Cross or a local hospital for help finding a cancer treatment provider.

After the Storm

Once it’s safe, Moffitt will reopen and reschedule all canceled appointments. Patients will be contacted directly.

For the latest updates, always check your Patient Portal or call the Patient Hotline at 813-745-3500.