Recently, Hurricane Harvey has disastrously impacted Texas, including individuals with chronic medical conditions and disabilities. One man in particular recently shared his story of escaping the hurricane and wading through dangerous waters to retrieve his diabetes medications.

When disaster strikes whether it be a hurricane, earthquake, power outage or other emergency situation, preparedness is key. It's important to become educated on the potential consequences of disaster situations as well as developing an emergency kit and disaster plan.

We recommend organizing a minimum of 7 days worth of supplies for a disaster situation for yourself and all the members of your family including pets.

Develop an Emergency Plan

Develop a comprehensive plan for emergency situations. Some important factors to consider:

• Communication Plan: How will you connect with family, friends, and doctors?
• Disaster Plan: Determine safe places in your home, family meeting spots, and what you'll do if disaster strikes.
• Make a disaster kit: Include all the items you'll need in the event of an emergency. Continuing reading to see our full list!

Prepare to Stay and to Evacuate

When developing your emergency kit and plan, it's important to consider two main scenarios. Firstly, you may be trapped in your home for an extended period of time. Do you have enough supplies in place in the event you're unable to travel to a store? What if stores are out of supplies? Do you have everything you would need to stay in your home for an extended period of time? Particularly consider you should pay special attention to what you would need if you didn't have power or running water in your home.

Secondly, consider the items that you would need to take with you if you were forced to evacuate. How are you going to transport your items? How heavy is your backpack? Do you have everything in one place where you could leave in 5 minutes if you had to?

We suggest that you keep both your home and evacuation kits in a designated spot, where you don't have to search and hunt for them.

Develop an Emergency Kit That Suits Your Individual Needs

When you develop your emergency kit consider your individual needs and requirements. What are the things you need to stay happy and healthy? What you need will differ from anyone else, but please utilize these items as a basic guide.We recommend at minimum a 7 day supply of the following items:

• Water - 1 Gallon per person per day for drinking, hygiene, cooking, and cleaning.
• Food - Enough sustenance for your individual needs. Consider items that are non-perishable like dehydrated, freeze dried and canned foods. Remeber if you have canned food to also have a can opener.
• Important Documents: Binder of important documents including birth certificates, insurance cards, will, and passport.
• Contact Information: For all family, friends, and everyone on your care team (CDE, Endocrinologist, Podiatrist, Primary Care Doctor)
• Battery Powered, Solar, or Handcrank Radio - For emergency updates and communication.
• Sanitation and Personal Hygiene Items: What you need to go to the bathroom if you don't have plumbing and items to keep yourself clean? Consider soap, toilet paper, and a toothbrush.
• Maps of the Area: In case you have to travel by foot or without GPS.
• Written Medical Information: Create a comprehensive guide to your medical care in the event you are unable to care for yourself or require assistance. Describe your condition, treatment, medication list, medical care team, and dosing regimen.
• First Aid Kit: Including basic over the counter medications like pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, band-aids, and antibiotic ointment.
• Diabetes Supplies including lancets, Glucose Meter, Syringes, Insulin (Both short-acting and long-acting), Lancing Devices, Test Strips. Consider any items you may need for your CGM or items specific to you.
• Supply of Batteries (Various Types)
• Glucagon Kit
• Ketone Strips
• Alcohol Wipes
• In Case Your Blood Sugar Drops: Glucose Tablets or Gel, Juice Boxes, and Basic Snacks.
• Travel-Size Sharps Container
• Cold Pack or Insulated Bag: To keep medication cool. Consider what to do if you have no power or have to travel away from home.
• Flashlight
• Emergency Blanket
• Medical ID: Bracelet or Necklaces to inform others of any medical conditions or needs.
• Whistle: To signal for help
• Personal Protective Equipment: Items to keep you physically safe from debris or toxins including dust masks and gloves.
• Cell Phone: Including charger and extra battery charger if you don't have electricity.

While we do recommend these basic items we encourage you to talk to everyone in your care team to determine the specific needs of your emergency kit.

Our Emergency Preparedness Tips

• Take a city-sponsored or community-based course on emergency preparedness.
• Learn CPR and basic first aid.
• Learn how to shut off utilities such as gas, electricity, and water.
• Create a personal support network of people who can assist you before, during and after a disaster.
• Complete a personal assessment to know your specific needs for a disaster.

Emergency Preparedness Resources for People with Diabetes

• What to Pack in Your Diabetes Emergency Kit
• Diabetes Emergency Kit Checklist - Diabetic Living
• Emergency Preparedness for Type 1 Diabetes - JDRF
• 11 Items Every Diabetic Emergency Kit Must Have
• Diabetes Disaster Kit

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