About 100 seniors in Brandon got a pointed warning Monday, July 20, from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, the same agency that operates Lutz's fire stations: a few days of eating high-salt snacks and sweets during a hurricane can push older adults with diabetes or high blood pressure into a medical emergency.

The message came during a hurricane preparedness session tailored for seniors' needs. Rob Herrin with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and Brian Taylor, a registered dietitian for the county's Department of Aging Services, led the event.

"Just because there's an emergency doesn't mean we need to go eating all our high salt chips and our candies and our sweets," Taylor told attendees. "Especially older adults who might have diabetes or high blood pressure, we really need to make it as healthy as possible."

Taylor advised seniors to stock at least three days' worth of non-perishable, heart-healthy, high-fiber foods rich in protein. Even a short stretch on an altered diet can trigger a crisis for vulnerable residents, he said.

Herrin said the county targeted the session at older adults because they face distinct obstacles during emergencies, including mobility and transportation challenges. The course covered three areas: how and when to use shelters, knowing evacuation routes, and keeping storm rations healthy.

Mel Noriega, a Brandon resident who has weathered multiple hurricanes, said she attended to refresh her memory on the details that slip between storm seasons.

How to prepare

Hillsborough County updated its evacuation zones for 2026. Residents can look up their zone using the Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool on the county's emergency management website. HART provides free emergency evacuation bus service during hurricanes.

Seniors with medical or functional needs can pre-register for the county's Special Needs Shelter Program at snr.flhealthresponse.com. Residents can also sign up for HCFL Alert, the county's mass notification system, at HCFL.gov/StaySafe to receive hurricane evacuation orders, flood warnings, and severe weather alerts.

Taylor's bottom line for seniors stocking their pantries: three days of heart-healthy, high-fiber, protein-rich food is the minimum, and skipping that step could mean a trip to the emergency room.