Weather events such as hurricanes or storms can pose challenges as you take care of your health. This is why it is important that you prepare accordingly, for your well-being as well as that of your family. For more peace of mind, be sure to follow the recommendations included below.
Before
Put together an emergency kit focused on your health
Make sure you have the following items at hand to take care of your health and help prevent undesirable situations:
- Water and food: try to gather enough water and non-perishable food items to last a whole week for everyone in your home. Make sure you have one gallon of water per person, per day, and remember to pack a manual can opener.
- Medications: if you or someone in your household requires daily medications, prepare at least an additional 7-day supply for emergency cases (although a 2-week supply would be ideal). Call your healthcare provider or pharmacy before the storm arrives. They will usually allow you to refill your prescriptions in advance in preparation for a storm. Do not forget your OTC medications, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antacids, allergy medications, and vitamins.
- First-aid kit and medical supplies: make sure your kit is always fully stocked and accessible. It should include specific medical supplies for your and your family’s needs, such as extra batteries for hearing aids, blood glucose testing strips and insulin, spare eyeglasses or contact lenses, and syringes.
- Medical documents: keep all your family’s important medical documents in a folder or portfolio. Include a list of each person’s allergies, medications, pharmacy, medical history, physicians, emergency contacts, and copies of your health plan cards. Make sure to keep this folder or portfolio in an airtight, waterproof bag.
- Personal care items: your emergency kit should also include items like hand sanitizer, toothbrushes and toothpaste, baby wipes / wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, and soap.
- Items for babies and children: if you have small children, store one week’s worth of supplies, such as diapers, a battery-powered breast pump, a thermometer, infant formula, baby bottles, towelettes, and diaper rash cream.
After
After a hurricane, you should take measures to protect your physical and mental health. As you do so, keep in mind the following recommendations:
Sewage water: avoid any contact with it because it can carry bacteria, germs, or toxic chemicals.
Candles: it’s preferable that you use a flashlight for security reasons. However, if you only have access to candles, remember to place them away from flammable materials to avoid starting a fire.
Mosquitoes: these insects can spread a variety of diseases, so it is recommended that you use repellent, especially at nighttime.
Water: remember to boil it before consumption to avoid contracting diseases.
Emotional health: make connections with your neighbors, friends, and family. This type of phenomenon can impact your emotional health and cause negative feelings. It is advisable that you talk about it in order to heal.
Follow these suggestions so you can stay safe and take care of your health during hurricane season. Remember that at Salus, we are ready to take care of you.
Sources:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/hurricane-safety-tips
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/build-an-emergency-kit
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/be-safe-after.html
