Although our medical teams care for patients around the clock, a hurricane or other severe weather might prevent you from traveling to us. However, we're still by your side in preparation and want to make sure you stock up on not only food and water but also all your specific medical essentials. You may not be able to make it to a doctor's office, grocery store or pharmacy in the hours leading up to dangerous weather, so take a few minutes to note what you'll need to gather now, long before any emergency.
Have the Basics on Hand
In addition to your disaster supply kit, you should have a first aid kit that could be used to soothe and stabilize anyone who may become injured until you can get to one of our emergency rooms or urgent care facilities. Some home first aid must-haves include:
- Bandages in assorted sizes
- Absorbent compresses
- Sterile gauze pads
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic wipes
- Cold compress
- Latex gloves
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Oral thermometer
- First aid instruction booklet
- Over-the-counter pain medicine
Stock up on Special Items
No one knows your family's needs better than you. Maybe you're a caregiver for an aging relative or have a child with chronic illness. Depending on your circumstances, consider if you need to add any of the following to your disaster preparations:
- A back-up generator to power equipment like dialysis machines, electric lifts, etc.
- Hearing aid back-up batteries
- Manual wheelchair
- Supplemental oxygen
- Inhalers
- Advance renewal of prescription medication
Working to keep your home well-stocked with extra medical supplies will prevent additional anxiety when weather conditions get scary. Connect with family members doctors or caregivers to make sure you have everything you'd need to be sheltered safely for multiple days at home.
