How to Easily Get Medically Prepared for a Hurricane

Getting medically prepared for a hurricane is easier than you think. But it could be even more important than your typical hurricane prep routine. Hurricanes are erratic, powerful and destructive forces of nature. In addition, they can rapidly grow stronger. Or even decrease in strength but stall bringing wind and rain for extended periods of time. So even if we don’t think a storm will hit us, we should always be ready. In short, an Emergency Plan is the best way to get medically prepared 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. Therefore, creating an Emergency Medical Kit that includes typical emergency supplies is a great idea. This is a general list, so keep in mind your specific medical conditions and needs.  Above all, your Emergency Medical Kit can save you tremendous headache and perhaps even save our life.

How to Easily Get Medically Prepared for a Hurricane

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This guide was created with information from FEMA, the FDA and The Orange County Government.

1. Medical Contact List – Maintain a list of medical phone numbers and contact information. For example, include your doctors, pharmacy, case manager, peer mentor, service providers and medical facilities. Then 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.

• Current Medications – Make sure your pharmacist has an updated list of the medications. After that, have them print it for you.

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

• Medical insurance cards, Medicare or Medicaid card, a list of your allergies, and your health history.
• Make an list of important online insurance or website information on it. Then keep passwords in different secure location.
• Doctors’ orders for Durable Medical Equipment, Consumable Medical Supplies and assistive devices that you use.

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

5. Additional Medical Supplies – For example, blood testing strips, bandages or insulin and make sure you have a two week supply.

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

7. Mental Health – Storms can be stressful and/or traumatic. Therefore, we should be aware of our state of mind and take proper care. For example, staying with friends or loved ones that can provide comfort.

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

9. Extra Phone Portable Charger – Make sure its charged and ready to go.

10. Food – So you can meet any special dietary needs plus many medications require you to take them with food.

11. Medical Appointments – After the storm, call and confirm that the office is open before you go. If the office was closed when you had an appointment reschedule as soon as possible.

That was easy!

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You’re ready! So share your plan with a trusted friend or loved one that you are medically prepared and who to contact in case of emergency. To clarify, this is a simply a guide to assist you medically prepare for a hurricane. That is to say, you should also refer to other federal, state and local resources to make sure your are fully prepared. Please clink the links for additional information. Then review all your resources to make ensure you are prepared in the event of an emergency.

Local Emergency Resources – Phone Numbers and Links (Print out and keep with you.)

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Orange County –

Office of Emergency Management – (407) 836-9140

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

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Seminole County –

Office of Emergency Management –  (407) 665-5102

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Osceola County –

Hurricane Hotline number is – (407) 742-0000

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Brevard County –

Office of Emergency Management –  (321) 633-2000

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Lake County –    

Office of Emergency Management –   (352) 343-9420

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Local Mental Health Resources – Phone Numbers and Links

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Orlando United Assistance Center –  407-500-HOPE (4673)

The Mental Health Association of Central Florida – (407) 898-0110

General Community Resources – Phone Numbers and Links

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Heart of Florida United Way –  211 or 407-835-0900

Stay safe!

Sam Graper,
Community Relations Manager, 
Orlando Immunology Center
Proudly Serving Central Florida for Over 20 Years

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