Hurricane Lane has officially landed in Hawaii today, and if you have diabetes it’s an important reminder to prepare. Hurricanes can bring violent rain and winds, meaning that you may lose power and not have access to the store or supplies that you’re used to having.Online, there have been many photos of Hawaii residents stocking up at local grocery stores, with most stores running out of basic supplies like food and water within a matter of hours. It’s important to take a little extra time to prepare and stock key supplies so you don’t have to go to the store.Also, when you have diabetes, there are other things to think about in terms of your health. Here are some key tips on preparing for hurricanes and staying safe.Create an Emergency KitYou should have an emergency kit that includes your day-to-day diabetes supplies, along with extras for emergencies. The Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition has a great guide for making a kit. We recommend that based on your needs, you store about a week of supplies, along with emergency contact information and medical records.You should talk to your doctor and think about your specific needs when you make an emergency kit, but some general things to include are:

• Water - for drinking, use with cooking, and hygiene
• Food - supplies for day-to-day eating, as well as diabetes-related emergencies
• Basic first aid kit
• Diabetes-related medications and supplies
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Insulin storage system, including ice packs or cooler bags
• Extra batteries

Wear a Diabetes ID BandIn the event you have a health emergency, a diabetes ID band with your health information can help medical responders more easily understand your personal situation to help you.Emergency Contact InformationKeep a list of local hospitals and contacts who can help you if you have a medical emergency. It’s important to have both phone numbers and addresses written down in case the power goes out. The American Diabetes Association also has a hotline you can contact for help at 1-800-342-2383.EvacuationIf you do have to evacuate, make sure you have a to-go bag packed and ready to go. Make sure that you have testing supplies, medications, and fast-acting sugar with you at all times.Learn CPR and PreparednessYou can have all of the supplies in the world, but the more important thing is to know how to USE those supplies. Take a CPR class through the American Red Cross, or join a local CERT Team. CERT, or Community Emergency Response Team, is a group that teaches free courses on preparedness. You can learn about how to make a kit and how to shut off power and water.Important Things to Remember if There is a HurricaneHurricanes can be scary, and having to get supplies can make things even more stressful. Take early steps to prevent these kinds of situations if you can. Have supplies so you don’t have to go to the store during the hurricane. Stress can cause increased blood sugar levels, so it’s extra important to have a plan in advance.Never go without shoes, and check your feet for irritation, infection, or blisters. It’s important to always wear socks and sturdy shoes to protect your feed.Talk to your doctor or CDE about what kinds of meals to keep on hand during an emergency situation. You want to try to have a variety of supplies that you can and want to eat.Don’t forget to eat or drink water regularly. It can be easy to become dehydrated, so make sure you’re eating and drinking regularly throughout the day.Emergency Preparedness Resources

• Emergency Preparedness: Diabetes Emergency Kit
• Diabetes Health: Every Day Emergency Kit
• Diabetes Emergency Plan: 3 Ways to Prepare
• Information Regarding Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products in an Emergency
• Being Ready for the Hurricane Season with Diabetes
• Diabetes Disaster Preparedness

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