Emergency Preparedness Tips for Persons with Medical Needs

Medications

  • Always have at least a three-day supply of all your medications.
  • Store your medications in one location in their original containers.
  • Have a list of all your medications including: name of medication, dose, frequency, and the name of the prescribing doctor.

Medical Supplies

  • Have an extra three-day supply of medical supplies you use, such as bandages, ostomy bags or syringes.

Electrical powered medical equipment

  • Check with your medical supply company and get information regarding a back-up power source such as a battery or generator for electrical power beds, breathing equipment or infusion pumps.  

Oxygen and breathing equipment

  • If you use oxygen, have an emergency supply (enough to last at least three days).
  • Oxygen tanks should be securely braced so they do not fall over. Call your medical supply company regarding bracing instructions.
  • If you use breathing equipment, have a minimum three-day supply of tubing, solutions, medications, etc.

Intravenous (IV) and feeding tube equipment

  • Know if your infusion pump has battery backup and how long it would last in an emergency.
  • Ask your home care provider about manual infusion techniques in the case of a power outage.
  • Have written operating instructions attached to all equipment.  

Emergency Bag

In the event you have to leave your home, have a bag packed at all times. The bag should include:

  • A medication list.
  • Medical supplies and medications for at least three days.
  • Copies of vital medical papers such as insurance cards, power of attorney, etc.  

People who can help

  • An important part of being prepared for a disaster is planning with family, friends and neighbors. Know who could walk to your home to assist you if other means of transportation are unavailable.
  • Discuss your disaster plans with your home health care provider.
  • Ask your local fire department if they keep a list of people with special medical needs and what services are provided to those on the list. If they have a list, ask to be included on the list.
  • Keep contact information for those people who can be of help to you.

Use links to FEMA and Prepare Now for more information.

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