When the Storm Hits Home: Essential Hurricane Preparedness for Long Island’s Physical Therapy Patients and Mobility-Impaired Residents

Long Island’s coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and severe weather events, creating unique challenges for residents with mobility limitations and those receiving physical therapy services. When disaster strikes, disabled people and low-income communities are hit the hardest and face higher mortality rates. They also take longer to recover. For physical therapy patients who depend on regular treatments, medical equipment, or have limited mobility, advance planning can mean the difference between safety and serious complications during a storm.

Understanding the Unique Risks for Physical Therapy Patients

If you or someone close to you has a disability, whether physical, medical, sensory or cognitive, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency. Physical therapy patients face compounded risks during hurricanes, as they may depend on electrically-powered equipment, have limited mobility, or require ongoing medical care that could be disrupted by storm damage and power outages.

For individuals who have medical needs, a hurricane’s impact can be compounded by power outages, limited access to medical facilities and the disruption of regular care routines. This is particularly concerning for Long Island residents who may be recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or working to regain mobility through ongoing therapy.

Creating Your Personal Emergency Plan

The foundation of hurricane preparedness for mobility-impaired residents begins with developing a comprehensive personal emergency plan. A personal support network (sometimes called a self-help team) can help you prepare for a disaster. They can do this by helping you identify and get the resources you need to cope effectively.

Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers to aid you in an emergency, especially an evacuation. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment. This network should include at least one person who can check on you during an emergency and knows where your emergency supplies are kept.

Essential Medical Equipment and Supply Preparations

For physical therapy patients, maintaining access to essential medical equipment during power outages is critical. Saldana urges getting ahead of power outages by having a generator and extra batteries for power-dependent equipment and medical devices like oxygen tanks, CPAP machines and even hearing aids. Portable generators, battery backups or uninterruptible power supplies can keep your devices running during a power outage. Make sure you familiarize yourself with how to operate these backup systems before a hurricane strikes.

Keep an extra mobility device such as a cane or walker, if you use one. If you use a seat cushion to protect your skin or maintain your balance, remember to take your cushion with you if you must evacuate without your wheelchair. Additionally, individuals using an electric wheelchair or powered mobility device should keep a non-electric option on hand, if possible.

You should have enough medication to last for at least seven days. For advice about how to avoid running out of your medication during a coastal storm, read our Tips for Prescription Preparedness (PDF). Keep copies of prescriptions, medical records, and physician contact information in waterproof containers.

Home-Based Physical Therapy: A Critical Advantage During Emergencies

Long Island residents who receive home-based physical therapy services have distinct advantages during hurricane recovery. Companies like Medcare Therapy Services, which has been serving Suffolk and Nassau County since 2010, understand the unique challenges their patients face during emergencies. Medcare Therapy Services began in 2010 with a simple belief: everyone deserves quality therapy care, especially when getting to a clinic feels impossible. Too many Long Island residents were missing out on essential physical and occupational therapy because transportation, mobility issues, or health conditions made clinic visits challenging. We specialize in bringing licensed therapy directly to patients’ homes across Suffolk County and Nassau County.

When working with a Physical Therapist Long Island, patients should discuss emergency preparedness as part of their care plan. This approach allows patients to receive one-on-one care in their familiar environment while maintaining independence and dignity. What sets us apart is treating each patient like family. We understand that recovery happens best when patients feel comfortable, supported, and understood in their own space.

Evacuation Planning for Mobility-Impaired Residents

In the event of a coastal storm or hurricane, the City may open evacuation centers for those are unable to stay with family or friends outside the evacuation zone. For a list of evacuation centers near you, including accessible evacuation centers, visit the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder online at NYC.gov/knowyourzone, or call 311.

Plan ahead for accessible transportation to evacuate or get to a medical clinic. Work with local services, public transportation or paratransit to identify local or private accessible transportation options. If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise building, have an escape chair.

In cases of reduced mobility, you may want to register with the local fire department or office of emergency services for special assistance. Perhaps you can invest in an unpowered wheelchair for emergency use.

Shelter Accommodations and Communication

Long Island’s emergency shelters are equipped to handle residents with special needs. Auxiliary aids and services will be available at accessible centers, including sign language interpreters, sound amplifiers, and documents in alternative formats. Accessible centers can be found by visiting the NYC Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder.

Various hurricane shelters will have a Disability, Access and Functional Needs Coordinator that can work to help accommodate your needs. This includes providing higher cots for individuals with arthritis or other physical conditions, and quiet spaces for those with sensory sensitivities.

Staying Connected During and After the Storm

Have a cell phone with an extra battery. If you are unable to get out of a building, you can let someone know where you are and guide them to you. For physical therapy patients, maintaining communication with healthcare providers is essential for continuity of care.

Individuals who may require assistance in evacuations should sign up for emergency alerts and/or special needs registries from counties or township emergency management offices. Long Island residents can register with local emergency services to ensure first responders are aware of their location and specific needs.

Post-Storm Recovery and Therapy Continuation

The recovery period following a hurricane can be particularly challenging for physical therapy patients. If you are without power after the storm, utilize your local government’s community resources and support systems like stand-up shelters for cooling and electricity. Anxiety and stress can exacerbate medical conditions, so it’s important to have coping strategies in place.

Home-based therapy providers like Medcare Therapy Services are often better positioned to resume services quickly after a storm, as they don’t rely on a single facility that may have sustained damage. Their mobile approach allows them to adapt to post-storm conditions and continue providing essential rehabilitation services when patients need them most.

Building Community Resilience

Neighbors helping neighbors can be critical in an emergency. Make sure neighbors you are close to know if you will have special needs in a disaster or evacuation. Building these relationships before an emergency occurs creates a stronger support network for the entire community.

Being prepared for a hurricane is a strategy in itself, as this fosters confidence in the knowledge that a plan is available. For Long Island’s physical therapy patients and mobility-impaired residents, this preparation isn’t just about weathering the storm—it’s about maintaining independence, health, and quality of life throughout the recovery process.

By taking proactive steps now, including working with experienced home-based therapy providers, maintaining emergency supplies, and building strong support networks, Long Island residents with mobility challenges can face hurricane season with greater confidence and security. Remember, the best time to prepare is before the storm clouds gather on the horizon.