While many families think about preparing their homes and emergency kits ahead of a storm, the Georgia Department of Public Health’s South Health District reminds families to also plan for and protect their health before, during and after a hurricane.

Required Medications

Prolonged power outages may make refilling prescriptions, keeping your prescriptions at the appropriate temperature or charging mobility equipment much more difficult.

Prior to a storm make sure to have at least a 7-10 day supply of all medications as well as a backup plan to charge all electricity dependent medical equipment and keep temperature sensitive prescriptions stored safely.

Downed trees, power outages or flood waters can make getting to the pharmacy after a storm much more difficult. Once you learn a storm is heading towards your area you should visit your pharmacy and stock up on your required prescriptions as well as other medicines you may need such as pain relievers.

Electricity Dependent Medical Equipment 

People that require electricity dependent medical equipment such as ventilators, electric wheelchairs or electric homecare beds are at high risk during a hurricane. In the case of an extended power outage a back-up battery may not be enough.

Have a plan for how to charge your equipment if your power goes out for longer than a couple of hours.

Temperature Sensitive Medications

Those requiring temperature-sensitive medications are also at risk.

Many medications require specific temperatures to maintain their potency. For example, according to the FDA insulin should be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F, but in emergency situations can be stored at room temperature (between 59°F and 86°F) for up to four weeks before its potency is affected. For those with diabetes the potency of their insulin is extremely important.

During the summer and early fall in South Georgia home temperatures could easily get higher than 86°F after a couple of days with no AC.

Having a backup plan for how to store your medications at proper temperatures can be the difference between life and death.

Prior to an emergency make sure to research the proper storage temperatures for your medications.

At Risk Populations

Another population that is at risk during an emergency are the elderly, those suffering from chronic illnesses or people with mobility issues.

For those suffering with mobility issues that make it difficult to get around or travel it is crucial to have a plan in place prior to the storm.  A plan for transportation should also be included in case you have to evacuate.

It is important for families to check on older relatives, neighbors to check on one another and for every household to be stocked and prepared if the worst-case scenario were to happen.

For more information about how to protect your family after a before, during or after a storm, visit www.ready.gov.