Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Chronic Illness Patients
When severe weather strikes, being prepared is critical, especially when you live with a chronic illness. To help you stay safe and minimize health risks during an emergency, we’ve outlined essential steps to ensure you're ready. Use this guide to prepare ahead of time, and keep it handy for future emergencies.
1. Medications and Medical Supplies
Have a two-week supply of all necessary medications in their original containers.
Store medications in a waterproof bag (such as a resealable freezer bag).
Keep an up-to-date medication list that includes names, doses, and prescribing doctors.
Check if your state allows for early prescription refills during a State of Emergency. Some medications, excluding controlled substances, may be refilled for up to 30 days. Emergency refills of up to 72 hours or one vial of insulin may also be available without doctor approval.
Have at least a two-week supply ready for medical supplies like syringes, bandages, or ostomy bags.
If you use electrically powered medical equipment (e.g., breathing machines or infusion pumps), consult your supplier about backup power options, such as batteries or generators.
Ensure a two-week emergency supply of oxygen if you use it. Secure your oxygen tanks to prevent them from falling.
If you use IV or feeding tube equipment, ensure the pump has a battery backup and be familiar with manual operation if necessary.
2. Emergency Bag Essentials
Pack a bag with these critical items:
Medication list
Two weeks' worth of medical supplies
Important documents (e.g., insurance cards, power of attorney)
Personal items you may need in case of evacuation
3. Staying Cool and Hydrated
Keep cooling towels, blankets, battery-operated fans, or neck fans nearby to manage heat.
Prepare a cooler with ice packs to help keep items cool for 24-48 hours if the power goes out.
Identify cooling stations in your area, such as schools or libraries, listed on your city’s website.
Have a spray bottle on hand for skin cooling.
Maintain a week’s supply of water and electrolytes to stay hydrated during the storm.
4. Power and Device Readiness
Fully charge your devices and keep chargers, backup batteries, and solar chargers nearby.
Switch phones to low-power mode to conserve battery.
If you rely on medical equipment that needs power, make sure you have a backup power source such as batteries or generators.
5. Food and Water Safety
Stock up on non-perishable, nutrient-rich foods that can last at least a week without refrigeration.
Use coolers or block ice to keep perishable food safe during power outages.
Avoid eating food that’s been without refrigeration for over 4 hours or that’s come into contact with floodwater.
Drink plenty of bottled water. If bottled water isn’t available, boil or disinfect water to ensure it's safe.
6. Know Your Resources
Locate nearby healthcare facilities such as pharmacies, hospitals, and urgent care centers. Use Google Maps to pin their locations.
If you need medication refills during the storm, visit Rx Open (rxopen.org) to find open pharmacies in your area.
Have an evacuation plan and know where to go. If you are in Florida, you can find nearby shelters here:
Florida’s Disaster Shelter Status page.
7. Help and Support
Create a plan with family, friends, or neighbors who can assist you during the storm.
Ensure someone can reach you if other transportation options are limited.
Check if your local fire department keeps a list of individuals with special medical needs who may need extra support.
8. Staying Safe During the Hurricane
Take your medications as prescribed and set reminders on your phone to help stay on schedule.
Keep your medications protected from water or extreme temperatures.
Stay hydrated with clean water and make sure to eat regularly.
If you experience health problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
9. Emergency Resources
Keep these contacts handy during emergencies:
Healthcare Ready: healthcareready.org/patient-portal
Florida State Assistance Information Line (SAIL): 1-800-342-3557
FEMA: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
Preparing ahead of time can make a big difference in staying safe during a hurricane. Save this checklist and share it with your loved ones so everyone stays protected. If you need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
