Florida Medical Examiners Fee releases causes of reported Hurricane Ian deaths – FOX 13 Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. – Almost 100 deaths in Florida have been linked to Hurricane Ian, taking place earlier than, throughout, and after the storm made landfall. A report compiled by the Florida Medical Examiners Fee is shedding mild on what led as much as these deaths and the place they occurred. 

Whereas a few of these particulars are tough to listen to, there are essential classes that may be discovered within the report and risks to contemplate subsequent time a giant storm approaches.

Ninety-four individuals misplaced their lives in Florida, thus far, resulting from Hurricane Ian, in keeping with the abstract report. The bulk have been drownings in Lee County, however the loss of life toll started earlier than landfall. 

MORE: Tampa police deploying more officers to North Port for Hurricane Ian relief

A person in Sarasota County fell off the roof whereas putting in shutters. Throughout the storm, a Manatee County lady went exterior to smoke “when a gust of wind from the hurricane blew her off the porch, and he or she subsequently struck her head on an adjoining concrete step.”

After the storm, a Hillsborough County motorcyclist crashed right into a fallen tree. One other lady in Manatee County, depending on oxygen, died after shedding energy.

A Polk County man doing yard cleanup died from exertion. Two males in Hardee County drowned when their automobiles have been swept away by the river present.

The Florida Medical Examiners Fee abstract comprises victims’ ages and counties, nevertheless it doesn’t embody names. Many have been of their 70s, 80s, and 90s. Whereas these particulars aren’t straightforward to listen to, it is a sobering reminder that hurricane risks span past wind and water.

READ: Hidden debris from Hurricane Ian lingers in waterways, causing boating dangers, police say

Elizabeth Dunn, a College of South Florida teacher on International Catastrophe Administration, Humanitarian Aid, and Homeland Safety, stated now could be the time for all of us to reevaluate our plans earlier than, throughout and after a storm.

“We’re ensuring that we’re occupied with all these issues inside our plan and what we do if conditions change on the final minute,” Dunn stated. “What choices do we have now to possibly get to a protected place? But additionally, realizing what your dangers or your hazards are in your neighborhood or your private home.”

A lack of energy, a failed generator, not sufficient meals or clear water could possibly be life-threatening.

“Simply occupied with what would you do in case your electrical energy is out? Is that this one thing that might have an effect on one in all your loved ones members?” Dunn stated. 

Publish-storm, it is also necessary to contemplate the mental health influence on these round you. In line with the report, two males in Lee County took their very own lives after seeing the devastation.

RELATED: Crisis Center of Tampa Bay responds to drastic increase in calls after Hurricane Ian

HCA Florida Blake Hospital has seen emergency department visits increase 15-20% since Hurricane Ian for accidents associated to storm cleanup, no energy, and warmth exhaustion.

“I might say we’re seeing much more anxiousness,” stated Dr. Scott Selph. “I might actually stress for all of us to be much more in tune to our sufferers, as a result of there are people who find themselves depressed and prone to harming themselves proper now.”

Emergency officers do their finest to arrange us, however Dunn stated the life-or-death choices are in our arms.

“What can we do to guarantee that we’re making the precise resolution to evacuate if wanted, or making ready our properties, and taking it significantly to have our hurricane preparedness kits and our plans and our communication plans all in place,” Dunn stated.