In South Florida hurricane season begins June 1 and continues through November 31. As we make preparations for our homes, we need to also prepare for our medical and wellness needs.

Get Prescriptions Filled Ahead of Time

• Check maintenance prescriptions to ensure you have a minimum two-week supply on hand.
• Be sure to refill your prescriptions a few days before a storm. Don’t wait until the last minute!
• Keep a record of your current prescriptions in your valuable-papers file. If you’re taking several prescription medications, it is a good idea to keep a record of your current dosage, frequency, and doctor’s contact information. If you register at MyWHI.com, you can print out your prescription history directly from your patient profile. To help you keep track of your medications, download a free personal medication record from the Federal Drug Administration.
• If you take medications that require special storage, such as refrigeration, talk with your healthcare providers now to learn how to handle them safely during power outages.
• If you have to leave your home, take a waterproof bag with your current medication — even if the bottle is empty. The information on the label will help the pharmacist refill your medication once you arrive at your destination. Heat, humidity, and sunlight can degrade the effectiveness of medication, so try to protect it from extreme weather conditions.

Consider Medical Needs

If you use Durable Medical Equipment, oxygen, or are a dialysis patient, make advance arrangements for continuing service.

• Pregnant women two weeks from their due date, at high risk or otherwise concerned, should contact their physician
• Denture Supplies
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra pair of glasses

Non-Prescription Drugs You May Need

• Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication\
• Antacid
• Laxative
• Syrup of Ipecac (for vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
• Activated Charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Sanitation and Hygiene

It is critical for you to remember to practice basic hygiene during an emergency period and prevent illness. Always wash hands with soap and water.

• Toilet Paper
• Soap, liquid detergent
• Instant hand sanitizer
• Feminine hygiene products
• Personal hygiene products
• Plastic garbage bags for personal hygiene products
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach

If a boil water order is issued, boil or disinfect water that will be used for hand washing or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Many of us know how to prepare our homes for the devastating effects of a hurricane; but we must also think about how to stay healthy after the storm has passed. The checklist above is key to making a hurricane plan to stay Ready. Set. Safe. and Healthy. For additional information on preparing for hurricane season, visit www.broward.org/hurricane or www.browardchd.org.