8 Tips to Help Medically Prepare For a Hurricane

Many people understand how to prepare their home and property from damage but often overlook their medical needs during these extended emergencies. Creating an Emergency Medical Kit that includes typical emergency supplies is a good start. Here are 8 tips to keep in mind while preparing your Emergency Medical Kit specific to your medical needs:

1. Medical Contact List – Maintain a list of phone numbers for your doctors, pharmacy, case manager, peer mentor, service providers and medical facilities. Tell your family and friends

2. Medication – FEMA recommends that you have a 1 week supply of your prescription medications on hand, 2 weeks if possible.

• Update List of Medications – Make sure your pharmacist has an updated list of the medications that you are currently taking. Ask if they are linked with any other pharmacies and get the contact information.
• Printed List of Medications – Ask your local pharmacy or doctor to provide a list of your prescription medicine and medically prescribed devices.

3. Medical Records – Make hard copies and maintain electronic versions, including a portable thumb drive containing:

• Doctors’ orders for Durable Medical Equipment, Consumable Medical Supplies and assistive devices that you use. Include the style and serial numbers of the support devices you use and where you purchased them.
• Medical insurance cards, Medicare or Medicaid card, a list of your allergies, and your health history.
• List of Medications.

4. Medical Alert Bracelet – If you own one, wear it.

5. Additional Medical Supplies – If you need any additional medical supplies such as blood testing strips, bandages or insulin make sure you have a two week supply.

6. Online Information – Make an index card with a important online insurance or website information on it and keep passwords in different secure location.

7. Extra Pair of Glasses – This extra pair can be critical in an emergency.

8. Special Needs – If you require special needs you can register here with the State Emergency Response Team (SERT).

Now that you are ready – Tell a friend or loved one to do the same! Share with a trusted friend or loved one that you are medically prepared and who to contact in case of emergency. This reference list is a simply a guide to assist you medically prepare for a hurricane. You should refer to other federal, state and local resources to make sure your are fully prepared.  The 8 tips were created with information from FEMA, the FDA and The Orange County Government. Please clink the links for additional information and review resources to make ensure you are prepared in the event of an emergency. Stay safe!!!

Local Emergency Resources – Phone Numbers and Links

Orange County –

Office of Emergency Management – (407) 836-9140

People with Special Needs Program – (407) 836-9319

Seminole County –

Office of Emergency Management –  (407) 665-5102

Osceola County –

Hurricane Hotline number is – (407) 742-0000

Brevard County –

Office of Emergency Management –  (321) 633-2000

Lake County –    

Office of Emergency Management –   (352) 343-9420