June 1 marked the first day of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, which will last through the end of November. Although Victoria doesn’t boast any beachfront property at risk of storm surge, substantial rainfall and high winds can continue to rage as these massive storms move inland, as Hurricane Harvey proved in 2017.
Unlike other serious weather events, hurricanes move slowly enough to give ample warning ahead of their arrival. However, residents in regions prone to such storms should not wait until one is headed their way to start stocking up on items for their household.
It’s a good idea to have a stash of vital goods, including bottled water, nonperishable foods, toiletries and first aid items on hand at all times, especially during hurricane season.
But for some people, this isn’t enough. Those with diabetes find themselves contending with more specific challenges, such as keeping certain medications cool, having fast-acting sugar on hand and keeping up with notes on their glucose readings. Adding a massive storm to the mix can potentially magnify these issues.
Although the advice below is specific for those with diabetes, much of it applies to anyone with a chronic disease.
Be prepared
The extra effort put into building a diabetes-specific emergency kit proves its worth whether you plan to stay at your home, go to a shelter or evacuate. Be sure to go over your plan and disaster kit with your family and health care provider before a storm is in the Gulf.
A comprehensive disaster kit includes:
- A hard, plastic and waterproof container to store your supplies
- A first-aid kit that contains bandages, antibiotic cream, cotton balls, alcohol swabs and a hemostatic bandage (this product quickly stops bleeding from wounds)
- Lists of emergency contacts, all current medications and allergies (be sure to place them in a waterproof plastic bag)
- Copies of your lab results and medical summary; these can be obtained from your doctor
- A pen and notepad to keep track of blood sugar numbers and other notes
- Reusable frozen gel packs to keep insulin cool
- A source of carbohydrates to treat low blood sugar (such as juice boxes or glucose gel)
- At least 30 days’ worth of insulin, syringes, testing strips and other diabetes supplies used on a daily basis
- Extra batteries for your glucometer
- An extra supply of other prescriptions, such as blood pressure medication, as well as any over-the-counter medication you might need (such as allergy medicine and ibuprofen)
- A small, hard plastic bottle to store used insulin needles and testing lancets
- A two-day supply of nonperishable food (such as cheese and crackers and meal replacement shakes and bars)
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see about getting extra supplies. Most pharmacies will provide extra medication and supplies if a storm is approaching.
If you’re heading to a local shelter, it is especially important to keep your medical supplies close because most shelters aren’t equipped to administer medication.
Should I stay or should I go?
Hurricane Harvey was responsible for 68 deaths, the largest number of fatalities from a tropical cyclone in Texas since 1919, according to NOAA. Therefore, if community officials issue a mandatory evacuation, it is best to take the warning and make preparations to leave your area.
If you have diabetes, you will need to take extra steps to be sure you’re ready for evacuation. A few tips for traveling include:
- Keep testing supplies, medications and fast-acting sugar with you at all times.
- Wear identification stating that you have diabetes.
- Pack reusable frozen gel packs to keep insulin chilled. Please note: Do not use dry ice because it will freeze your medication.
Still-fresh memories of Harvey’s destructive power in the minds of residents across coastal South Texas magnify the importance of early preparation. Spending a few hours getting your supplies ready now can save you days of worry and possible health complications if a storm comes your way. More importantly, preparedness can save your life.