Protect your health before, during, and after the storm.

Hurricanes don’t just damage homes and roads. They can interrupt medical care, create hazardous conditions, and increase the risk of illness and injury long after the wind has stopped. Preparing your family for medical emergencies and everyday safety helps you remain self-sufficient until normal services return.

Whether you’re staying home or evacuating, a well-planned medical and safety strategy should be part of every hurricane preparedness plan.

During and after a hurricane, access to healthcare may become limited.

Hospitals may be overwhelmed.

Pharmacies may be closed.

Roads may be blocked.

Emergency responders may be handling life-threatening situations.

Preparing ahead of time allows you to manage minor injuries, continue taking essential medications, and reduce unnecessary risks.

Medical preparedness isn’t about replacing professional care.

It’s about being ready until professional care becomes available.

Every home should have a well-stocked first aid kit.

Consider including:

Wound Care

• Adhesive bandages
• Sterile gauze
• Medical tape
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibiotic ointment

Medications

• Pain relievers
• Allergy medication
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Antacids
• Oral rehydration salts

Medical Tools

• Digital thermometer
• Tweezers
• Trauma shears
• Disposable gloves
• CPR face shield

Personal Medical Supplies

• Prescription medications
• Spare eyeglasses
• Contact lens supplies
• Hearing aid batteries
• Medical equipment instructions

Review your kit each hurricane season and replace expired items.

Don’t wait until a hurricane warning is issued.

Keep an emergency supply of prescription medications whenever possible.

Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about refill options before hurricane season begins.

Remember to pack:

• Prescription medications
• Copies of prescriptions
• Medication lists
• Physician contact information
• Insurance cards

If you rely on refrigerated medications, include a plan for keeping them at safe temperatures during a prolonged power outage.

If someone in your household depends on powered medical equipment, your emergency plan should include backup options.

Examples include:

• CPAP machines
• Oxygen concentrators
• Nebulizers
• Mobility equipment
• Refrigerated medications

Know how long your equipment can operate without utility power and what backup systems are available.

Many hurricane injuries happen after the storm.

Common hazards include:

• Broken glass
• Nails and sharp debris
• Chainsaw accidents
• Falls from ladders
• Heat exhaustion
• Carbon monoxide poisoning

Wear appropriate protective equipment, including:

• Work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Sturdy boots
• Long pants
• Hearing protection when needed

Take frequent breaks, especially during hot weather.

Floodwater should always be considered contaminated.

Never drink water from unknown sources.

Throw away food that has been exposed to floodwater.

Discard refrigerated foods that have become unsafe due to extended power outages.

When in doubt, throw it out.

Standing water creates new health risks.

Be aware of:

• Mosquitoes
• Mold
• Contaminated floodwater
• Animal waste
• Poor sanitation

Wash your hands frequently.

Wear waterproof gloves during cleanup.

Dry wet areas as quickly as possible to reduce mold growth.

Hurricanes affect more than buildings.

They affect people.

Stress, anxiety, frustration, and exhaustion are common after disasters.

Take time to:

• Rest when possible.
• Stay connected with family and neighbors.
• Ask for help when needed.
• Focus on one task at a time.
• Celebrate small milestones during recovery.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as treating physical injuries.

Some family members require additional planning.

Children may need:

• Comfort items
• Age-appropriate medications
• Entertainment during extended outages

Older adults may need:

• Extra medications
• Mobility assistance
• Medical equipment
• Cooling during power outages

Pets should have:

• Food
• Water
• Medications
• Vaccination records
• Identification tags
• First aid supplies

Planning ahead helps reduce stress for everyone in the household.

Call emergency services immediately if someone experiences:

• Difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding
• Chest pain
• Signs of stroke
• Loss of consciousness
• Serious burns
• Carbon monoxide exposure

Don’t delay seeking emergency care because of storm cleanup or property damage.

People always come first.

Medical preparedness isn’t about expecting the worst.

It’s about making sure your family can handle the unexpected.

A well-stocked first aid kit, an adequate supply of medications, safe cleanup practices, and a clear emergency plan can prevent minor problems from becoming major emergencies.

Your home, your vehicle, and your emergency kit all play an important role—but your health is your most valuable resource.

Protect it before hurricane season begins.