Hurricane warning: What you need in your emergency health kit
As Hurricane Matthew churns toward Florida and the southeastern coast of the U.S., physicians are urging those at risk to be sure their emergency health kits are in order. What they’re recommending families pull together is a far cry from the little plastic first aid box in the bathroom cabinet with Disney princess Band-Aids and an expired tube of antibacterial ointment.
Being trapped in the storm or afterward without essential supplies can be very hazardous to people’s health, North Carolina emergency physician Dr. Bret Nicks told CBS News.
“The absolute basics are food, water and shelter,” said Nicks, an associate professor of emergency medicine with Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and a spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).
“It is essential that people living in coastal areas listen closely to evacuation orders,” Dr. Jim Augustine, an emergency physician in Naples, Florida, said yesterday in a statement issued by ACEP.
Nicks said find out ahead of time where designated shelters are set up in your area — they’re often in schools, community centers and churches.
And make sure you have enough water. “One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days,” Nicks advised.
ACEP’s Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said other items that could be lifesavers during and after natural disasters such as Hurricane Matthew include:
• A one to two week’s supply of medication for any chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid drugs.
• Non-perishable foods that don’t require refrigeration or preparation, such as peanut butter, canned foods, bread and crackers stored in waterproof containers, cereal and granola bars.
• Special supplies for babies including sanitized baby bottles, diapers, formula, powdered milk, medications and baby wipes.
Glatter, also an ACEP spokesperson, said people with chronic illnesses such as COPD, sleep apnea and emphysema should carry along an alternative power source, so they can continue to use their medical devices if the electricity goes out.
For people with diabetes, Glatter said, “Make sure you have extra insulin, and extra syringes. Some form of sugar — snacks in case of a hypoglycemic event and cold packs to store insulin. Insulin has to be stored in a refrigerated setting, with an ice pack in a cooler.” Keep a supply of blood sugar monitors and test strips, too.
Dialysis patients should check with their dialysis centers in advance to find out where they need to go if they live in an evacuated area. Or they can call their doctor to set up alternative dialysis services.
Be sure your first aid kit is up-to-date, said Nicks. It should contain bandages for minor injuries and wounds, antimicrobial ointment, gauze, and antiseptic wipes “to prevent minor injuries from becoming substantial infections.” Bug spray, scissors, and cold packs for strains and sprains should be included, too.
Two easily overlooked items that you’ll be glad you included in an emergency kit, Nicks said are a manual can opener and toilet tissue.
“I’m a huge fan. Always bring toilet paper. Pull the core out of the middle and press down and put it in zip-lock bags. You can never have enough toilet paper,” Nicks said.
Pregnant and new mothers need appropriate nutrition and hydration for themselves and their babies, Nicks said. Bringing baby blankets along can help them set up a safe and comfortable spot to rest and nurse if they’re in a shelter or home that’s not their own.
He said extra servings of high-protein foods, such as canned meats, protein bars and nuts, will give you calories and energy in a difficult situation.
Glatter recommended bringing cash and spare change, too, since credit card and ATM machines may not work in the event of a power failure.
ACEP, which has a website to help families prepare for disasters, also recommends keeping on hand:
• A battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
• Health and personal identification information, such as a license, prescription medications (pick up an extra month’s supply at your pharmacy in advance), copies of prescriptions, children’s immunization records, and a list of allergies.
• Extra pairs of eyeglasses or contact lenses and supplies.
• Emergency phone numbers.
• Change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes for each family member.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
“If its something electronically stored, have a printed-out copy,” said Nicks, since electronic access may not be possible during and in the aftermath of a storm.
If you have kids, remember to stay calm and think up ways to bring them comfort during and after the storm and if you’ve been relocated to an unfamiliar shelter.
“Comfort can go a long way. A book, a board game, a deck of cards, a few comfort foods. If you’re in a shelter you may have a lot of down time. If you can’t charge your devices they only go so far,” said Nicks who added that he owns a solar panel charger.
If you have to evacuate, ACEP experts recommend leaving a note in your home telling when you left and where you are going, along with your contact information.