Situation Update
Monday, May 14,
2012 4:41 PM EDT
Currently, all Bay Pines VA Healthcare System facilities and associated VA Community Clinics are following normal operating hours and appointments will be held as scheduled.
Wildfire Season 2012 is here
It is wildfire season in Florida with many active fires across our state. Get current updates from Florida Forest Service. Most of these fires are located in the north/central Florida area but changes in wind patterns can bring smoke and haze in our direction. The current conditions outside are a result of wind patterns bringing smoke our way. There is no current danger to the Bay Pines campus or our CBOCs from wildfires. Smokey conditions may be prevalent across our service area until significant rainfall occurs.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) offers the following advice to citizens who may be impacted by wildfire smoke:
- Pay attention to local air quality reports and stay alert to any news coverage or health warnings related to smoke.
- If it is smoky outside, avoid prolonged outdoor activities. It is especially important to limit time spent outdoors for children or persons with existing medical conditions.
- Stay indoors and run your air conditioner, if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent brining additional smoke inside. For best results, run the air conditioner with re-circulated air.
- Help keep particle levels inside lower. When smoke levels are high, try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves and even candles! Don't vacuum. That stirs up particles already inside your home.
- Follow your doctor's advice about taking your medications and follow your asthma treatment plan if you have asthma or other lung disease. Call your doctor is symptoms worsen.
During disasters, Veterans and employees can get updated information on facility closures, appointment cancellations, and pharmacy refills by visiting this page or by calling -
VISN 8 TelCare 1-877-741-3400 (toll free)
or
National Veteran Helpline 1-800-507-4571
Facility Status
Parent Facility
Bay Pines VA Medical Center:
Normal Hours
Outpatient Clinics
Fort Myers, Florida:
Normal Hours
Community Based Outpatient Clinics
Bradenton, Florida:
Normal Hours
Naples, Florida:
Normal Hours
Palm Harbor, Florida:
Normal Hours
Port Charlotte, Florida:
Normal Hours
St. Petersburg, Florida:
Normal Hours
Sarasota, Florida:
Normal Hours
Sebring, Florida:
Normal Hours
Telephone Numbers
|
■
|
|
Emergency:
|
911
|
|
■
|
|
Veterans Crisis Line:
|
1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
|
|
■
|
|
24 Hour Nurse:
|
1-727-398-6661 (Pinellas County)
1-888-820-0230 (toll-free)
1-877-741-3400 (VISN 8 Telcare, use in the event Bay Pines’ phones are down)
|
|
■
|
|
Change Your Appointment:
|
1-727-398-6661
(Pinellas County)
1-888-820-0230
(toll-free)
|
|
■
|
|
Media Inquiries:
|
1-727-398-6661 x5031
|
|
■
|
|
National Veterans Helpline:
|
1-800-507-4571
|
|
■
|
|
Patient Locator:
|
1-800-507-4571
|
|
■
|
|
Pharmacy Refill:
|
1-727-398-6661 (Pinellas County)
1-888-820-0230 (toll-free)
1-877-741-3400 (VISN 8 Telcare, use in the event Bay Pines’ phones are down)
|
|
■
|
|
Staff Locator:
|
Not Available
|
|
■
|
|
Telephone Care:
|
1-727-398-6661 (Pinellas County)
1-888-820-0230 (toll-free)
1-877-741-3400 (VISN 8 Telcare, use in the event Bay Pines’ phones are down)
|
|
■
|
|
Staff Information:
|
727-398-9500
|
days
until the start of the
2012 Hurricane Season
Hurricane Information Sheet 
Do you have a family disaster plan?
Now is the time to plan what you, your family, and your pets would do in the event of a hurricane.
Personal Preparedness Checklist (2 weeks supply)
- Water – 18 ½ gallons of water per person (1/2 gallon for drinking, 2 gallons for bathing)
- Food – Ready to eat canned foods, shelf stable snacks, and beverages
- Medicine – first aid kit that contains aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever, antacid, antiseptic, scissors, insect repellent
- Personal Hygiene/Care Items - toilet paper, towels, soap, shampoo, denture needs, eyeglasses, sun protection
- Other supplies – battery operated radio, flashlight and batteries, non-electric can opener, portable cooler and ice, plastic trash bags, tarp or sheet plastic, duct tape, cleaning supplies such as bleach, paper napkins, plates and cups, pillows and blankets
Prescription Medications
- Keep a list of all medications in your personal preparedness kit
- Keep a 15 day supply of medication and supplies on hand - Do not allow your supply to go below 15 days
- For medications that require refrigeration, make sure you have a small portable cooler or ice chest ready for easy transport if needed
- If you must evacuate, bring prescription bottles, whether full or empty, of all medications that you are currently taking with you
Veterans are advised to follow evacuation orders given by local governments.
Visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website www.floridadisaster.org* for additional emergency preparedness tips.
NOAA Radar - Tampa Bay Loop
More Information on:
|
|
|
|
* External Link Disclaimer: By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked website. Each link will open in a new window.
|
|
